What is climate action?
Climate action, according to UNDP, "means increased efforts to decrease greenhouse gas emissions and build resilience and adaptive ability to climate-induced consequences, including: incorporating climate change measures into national policies, plans, and planning.
What is climate change?
Long-term changes in temperature and weather patterns are referred to as climate change. These changes might be caused by natural processes, such oscillations in the solar cycle. But ever since the 1800s, human activities—primarily the burning of fossil fuels like coal, oil, and gas—have been the primary cause of climate change.
Sustainable development goal 13: alimate action
One of the 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) outlined by the UN in 2015 as a component of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development is Sustainable Development Goal 13 (SDG 13).
SDG 13 aspires to take immediate action to mitigate the effects of climate change. To accomplish this goal, the goal has a variety of particular targets, such as:
- Boost global resilience and capability for natural catastrophes and hazards connected to the climate.
- Include climate change mitigation measures in national planning, policies, and strategies.
- Enhance human and institutional capacity for mitigation, adaptation, impact reduction, and early warning of climate change.
- Implement the commitments made by developed-country parties to the UNFCCC to a target of mobilising $100 billion annually by 2020 from all sources to address the needs of developing countries in the context of significant mitigation actions and transparency on implementation, and as soon as possible fully operationalize the Green Climate Fund through its capitalisation.
- Encourage systems to increase the ability for efficient planning and control of climate change in low-income countries and landlocked developing countries, with an emphasis on women, youth, local communities, and disadvantaged groups.
Ways to help with climate action
There are several methods for individuals to support climate action and improve the environment. Here are a few ideas:
- You may lessen your carbon footprint by changing your lifestyle, such as driving less, eating less meat, using less energy at home, and purchasing fewer single-use items.
- Select renewable energy sources for your house or company, such as solar or wind power, or make an investment in a renewable energy project to support it.
- Save water by repairing leaks, cutting the length of your showers, and adopting low-flow fixtures.
- Minimize waste via recycling, composting, and staying away from single-use items.
- Support companies who are committed to sustainable practises and minimising their impact on the environment.
- Use your voice to speak out in favour of climate change at the local, national, and international levels. This may be done by writing to your elected officials, taking part in demonstrations or marches, and spreading the word on social media.
- Educate both yourself and others: Increase your knowledge of the effects of climate change and the necessity of taking action to combat the problem.
These are but a handful of the numerous ways that people may support climate action. Every little bit count, and when we all work together, we can create a sustainable future.
How can schools and workplace within the UK contribute to climate action?
In the UK, employers and schools may make significant contributions to the fight against climate change. These are some ways that they can assist:
- Decrease energy usage: Schools and businesses may cut back on their energy use by utilising energy-efficient equipment, shutting off lights and gadgets when not in use, and lowering thermostat settings during the winter.
- Promote sustainable mobility: Schools and businesses may promote walking, cycling, and public transit while also offering amenities like bike storage and changing areas.
- Reduce trash: To decrease waste, businesses and schools can encourage composting, recycling, and a reduction in single-use goods like plastic cups and bottles.
- Practice sustainable procurement: Schools and organisations may practise sustainable procurement by purchasing items that are environmentally friendly, ethically made, and energy efficient.
- Students and staff can be informed about the effects of climate change and the steps they can take to lessen their carbon footprint in schools and workplaces.
- Encourage green spaces: By building gardens and green roofs, planting trees, and giving students and staff access to outdoor spaces, schools and businesses may promote green spaces.
- Involve the community at large: Schools and businesses may include the community at large by planning events and campaigns to encourage climate action and collaborating with regional groups to support sustainability efforts.
Schools and workplaces in the UK may help combat climate change and lessen their carbon footprint by adopting these measures. Promoting environmentally friendly behaviour can also serve to inform and motivate the next generation to take action against climate change.