We as people have a selfish approach to life and tend to neglect the world around us. Many people have the view that climate change does not affect us, but it does. We must act to save the climate. This affects us now and will affect the future generations to come.
What is affecting the climate?
The United Nations defines Climate Change as long-term shifts in temperatures and weather patterns, some may be natural, but humans are the main causes of Climate Change.
Constantly burning fossil fuels generates greenhouse gases, increasing the temperature of the earth. The earth's overall temperature is 1 degree Celsius hotter than the pre-industrial age level (Global warming).
This may not seem significant, but this could result in dangerous side effects. Some are severe weather, dirtier air, the increased extinction of animals and acidic oceans, just to name a few.
Why are humans burning fossil fuels?
Fossil fuels are formed from the remains of dead animals and plants, and natural gases and crude oils are also considered fossil fuels.
Fossil fuels are burnt to generate energy and electricity for the earth, which can then be used to power cars, homes, buildings, etc. However, the negatives outweigh the positives, as it greatly affects the world in the present and the future.
What can you do at home for Climate Action?
There are many things that you can do at home for Climate Action. At home, we consume and use a lot of products and items that contain recyclable materials, such as plastic. By reducing, reusing, and recycling, we can do our small part to help the planet.
Solar panels are sustainable use of energy as it relies solely on generating energy from the sun, and then converting it to electricity used to power your home. It does not contribute to global warming and does not add to existing greenhouse gases, nor does it create any.
Solar panels also reduce your home's carbon footprint by 80% in one year.
One of the negatives of solar panels is the cost, the price increases depending on the type of solar panels installed, the size of the system, your type of property and which way the roof faces.
Solar panels produce a small amount of pollution in their manufacturing process, transport, and installation. However, this is an effective form of climate action at home.
Reduce your food waste!
When you buy produce, make sure that it is eaten, the surplus should be frozen and stored to reduce waste. In the UK, we throw away 17 per cent of our uneaten food; eliminating this would save 370kg a year of CO2 and save the average household around £500 a year.
Change your light bulbs and turn off light switches!
Switching your lightbulbs to eco-friendly LED ones saves 100kg of CO2 a year. This will make an overall difference to your green thumb and is a form of climate action. To do more at home, you can also turn off light switches when certain appliances are not in use, turn the heating down and take shorter showers.
Eat less dairy and meat products!
A high-fibre, plant-based diet is better for your health and cutting down on dairy and meat helps to reduce your impact on the world. Try buying locally sourced fruits and vegetables to cut down on CO2 emissions during transportation. By doing your part, you will make the world a better place.
Reduce your driving
Try to avoid driving as much as possible. Try riding a bicycle instead and walking, not only will this improve your health, but it will also reduce greenhouse emissions and air pollution. It also saves you money. If you can’t avoid driving, drive short distances and use other modes of transport such as trains and boats.
Many people believe that Climate action is difficult to achieve, but they fail to realise that you could contribute in your way in the comfort of your own home.
There is a chance to reduce our emissions by 2030 by drastically increasing solar, wind and hydro energy.
We need to unite together to save our world and understand that Climate Change affects us all.