Actions that you can take to help limit climate change within your household
What exactly is climate change? According to the United Nations, climate change...
"Refers to Long-term shifts in temperatures and weather patterns. These shifts may be natural, such as through variations in the solar cycle. But since the 1800s, human activities have been the main driver of climate change, primarily due to burning fossil fuels like coal, oil and gas."
Climate change is one of the biggest global issues and threats to humanity. Around 95% of scientists would agree that human activity is the main cause of climate change. It is fair to say that not enough is being done to help stop the path towards mass life extinction. So I have created a few actions that everyone can do at home to help tackle the climate crisis.
Consider walking, cycling or taking public transport
In today's world, roads are clogged with vehicles which are burning diesel and gasoline. This then causes carbon emissions to be released into the earth's atmosphere; therefore adding to the current climate change crisis.
Just walking or riding a bike can help reduce greenhouse gasses instead of driving. You can compromise and consider walking or cycling on your shorter and closer destinations, such as going to the shops or visiting friends nearby - This can also improve your health and fitness.
One of the biggest methods of transport which burns one of the largest amounts of fossil fuels is aeroplanes. If you are able to take fewer flights, it can be one of the quickest ways to help reduce your environmental impact. There are alternatives which you can consider, such as meeting virtually or taking a train.
An alternative option is to invest in an electric vehicle. As more electric vehicles are being produced, they are becoming cheaper in the market. Pure electric cars produce zero carbon dioxide emissions when driving which ultimately reduces air pollution. This means we can have cleaner and safer streets to live in. Plus, electric cars are lower maintenance due to their electric motor and are known for their better overall performance.
Eat more vegetables
Eating more vegetables can significantly lower your environmental impact. If you start to produce your own plant-based foods it can result in fewer greenhouse gasses as it requires less energy, land and water. Also, switching your diet to a mix of vegetarian meals can help reduce your carbon footprint. This can be quite difficult, but ensuring you can grow and eat vegetables can help reduce climate change.
Throwing away less food can help reduce the number of resources and energy that is used to grow, produce, package and transport it. Food wastage is finally left in landfill sites with other rubbish. When food rots in landfills it produces methane, which is a dangerous greenhouse gas that will add to climate change.
One way in which you can help prevent this is by putting any food remains into a compost. This is a method of food recycling which can help by environment by:
Improving the soil health
reducing greenhouse emissions
recycling nutrients
and reducing the impacts of droughts.
Changing your source of energy
Find out if your source of energy comes from oil, coal or gas by contacting your utility company. If possible, consider switching to a renewable source of energy like wind or solar.
If you install solar panels on your roof, you can generate energy through natural sunlight. there are many benefits if you choose to install solar panels such as:
reduced electricity bills
insurance cover on rising energy costs
its a cheaper power source.
Speak up
Speaking up and getting others to join in on the action on climate change. This is the quickest and most efficient way to help make a difference. You can make a start by taking to your...
neighbours
work colleges
friends
and family members.
Let local business owners be aware to help support your bold changes. Appeal to local and world leaders to ensure we all act now. Climate action is a duty for everyone to participate in and it concerns all of us.
No one is alone - but we can beat climate change together.
