. Sharing, making, fixing, upcycling, repurposing and composting are all good places to start. By becoming more energy-efficient, you not only pollute less but save money too. Oh, wait . Even if you don't give up meat entirely, adopting a plant-based diet is one of the best ways you can cut your carbon footprint. Candidates’ positions on climate change vary widely, so research the parties, ask questions about climate change at town halls or debates and let your candidates know you are voting for the climate. For those with more knowledge, you can contribute even more by growing your own food. - Eat food that is local and in season: read the label and eat food that is produced in the area, avoid imports … Short answer: Yes. That’s about the same amount as the annual carbon pollution coughed up by nearly 440 million cars. He’s asked mayors from the 100 most populous cities in the country to share their plans for making their buildings and transportation systems run cleaner and more efficiently. Donate today. Still the number one form of sustainable transportation - the bicycle. But the push to trim carbon emissions begins with changing how we live. Let’s work together to solve the climate crisis and create a healthier future. But with enough drops, we can fill any bucket. But they say it's up to the voter to put politicians in place to implement those changes. “There’s no other way, if it doesn’t start with people.”. We need to think about the pressure we can exert on the whole system. © LED lightbulbs use up to 80 percent less energy than conventional incandescents. Let industry know you care about climate change by meeting with your bank or investment adviser to make sure your investments do not include fossil fuels. The reason for all this doom is simple — climate change. Swap your furnace for a heat pump, which works by extracting heat from one location and transferring it to another, Swap your gas stove for an electric stove, which will also lower indoor air pollution, Unplug computers, TVs and other electronics when you’re not using them, Wash clothes in cold water. Website by Briteweb, eating less meat will reduce Earth’s heat, transportation accounts for 24 per cent of climate-polluting emissions, divest from damage and invest in a healthier future, work with progressive local government leaders, implementing clear plans to reach those targets, Top 10 things you can do about climate change, a bolder emissions reduction target to ensure we don’t surpass 1.5 C warming, a more ambitious plan to meet those targets. State Disclosures. “Talk to your friends and family, and make sure your representatives are making good decisions,” Haq says. Choose a utility company that generates at least half its power from wind or solar and has been certified by Green-e Energy, an organization that vets renewable energy options. Sorry, but your search returned no results. Here’s how to convince those who don’t. 1. “If you can take a train instead, do that.”. The agreement’s authors built in a time line for withdrawal that President Trump will have to follow—slowing him down from irreparably damaging our climate. Climate is different from weather.When we talk about the Earth’s climate, we are referring to the average weather conditions over a period of 30 years or longer. We must act now to stop climate breakdown. In a world of more than seven billion people, each of us is a drop in the bucket. Working with student or local groups to organize and institute changes in your community can really help in the long term. We can all find ways to help shrink our individual carbon footprint, and one of … stronger legal accountability (Bill C-12) to ensure current and subsequent governments follow through on their commitments. And with about 80 per cent of Canadians living in cities, it’s important — even crucial — that we focus on their potential to help stop climate change. Here’s how it works and why it matters. Youth climate activists around the world are planning a Global Climate Strike during the week of Sept. 20-27 to demand action on the climate crisis. By using less of it, we can curb our own contribution to climate change while also saving money. But not all carbon offset companies are alike. In short, it’s the first-ever plan to curb carbon pollution from U.S. power plants. Over their lifetimes, products in your home that have earned the ENERGY STAR label can reduce greenhouse gas emissions by about 130,000 pounds and save you $11,000 on energy bills. “Building heating and cooling are among the biggest uses of energy,” Haq says. Give stocks or other publicly traded securities. Is America Actually Out of the Paris Agreement? That's because it takes a lot of energy to pump, heat, and treat your water. But with enough drops, we can fill any bucket. We’re fighting like our lives depend on it — because they do. We have created a comprehensive online resource that will support you to work with your local government on climate action. “Change only happens when individuals take action,” Aliya Haq, deputy director of NRDC’s Clean Power Plan initiative, says. We know that you know that Trump’s assessment of the Paris Agreement is way off base. If you enjoyed what you’ve just read and would like to see more, please consider making a generous gift to support our ongoing work to fight climate denial and support solutions. We are a nonprofit organization that believes there is hope in unity, and that together, we can build a safe, sustainable future. Let’s reimagine communities to build resilience and increase well-being. This site provides more than 25 easy steps you can take at Home, School, the Office, and On the Road to protect the climate, reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) pollution, and save money. 9 things you can do about climate change . The David Suzuki Foundation acknowledges Indigenous Peoples throughout Canada. Sustainable investments consider social, ethical and ecological aspects as well as financial aspects - and that pays off, both for you and in the fight against climate change. Here are a dozen easy, effective ways each one of us can make a difference: What’s the single biggest way you can make an impact on global climate change? Make a Climate Change Pledge. Hang-dry your clothes when you can and use, Look for the Energy Star label when buying new appliances, Get a home or workplace energy audit to identify where you can make the most energy-saving gains, If you have a large, inefficient vehicle, retire it and switch to an, Newfoundland and Labrador – municipal – September 28, 2021, Northwest Territories – municipal – October 19, 2021, Nunavut – municipal (hamlets) – October 25, 2021. We can’t do that without finding common ground with those who may not share our perspective. Harnessing power generated by the sun reduces your reliance on fossil fuels, but it can come with a price tag. Everything you wanted to know about our changing climate but were too afraid to ask. Heat and cool smartly. 9. But we can't do it without your help. As parents, we recognize that making the time for change can be difficult. Indeed, heating and air-conditioning account for almost half of home energy use. We need: Bold climate action is possible when we work together. The goal is simple. Organize a park cleanup, support our national parks, or bid in a charity eBay auction (we’ve got our eyes on Questlove’s drumsticks). When you sign up you'll become a member of NRDC's Activist Network. The good news is that there are things everyone can do. While we cannot stop global warming overnight, or even over the next several decades, we can slow the rate and limit the amount of global warming by reducing human emissions of heat-trapping gases and soot (“black carbon”). Do all of the above. Since they were first implemented nationally in 1987, efficiency standards for dozens of appliances and products have kept 2.3 billion tons of carbon dioxide out of the air. And since livestock products are among the most resource-intensive to produce, eating meat-free meals can make a big difference, too. If they do, join or start a divestment campaign. Sign up for tips and opportunities — Join the Charged Up network! They’re also cheaper in the long run: A 10-watt LED that replaces your traditional 60-watt bulb will save you $125 over the lightbulb’s life. Groups such as Carbon Neutral and My Climate can help businesses and individuals get started. Learn more about why it’s important to divest from damage and invest in a healthier future. Simple steps such as carpooling to work or using mass transit can help reduce your carbon footprint. 9. It’s released when oil, coal, and other fossil fuels are burned for energy—the energy we use to power our homes, cars, and smartphones. Although the most impactful steps we can take to avoid a climate disaster must happen at the governmental level, you have power to effect change as a citizen, a consumer, and an employee or employer. People, communities, cities, businesses, schools, faith groups and other organizations are taking action. At least 31 villages now face imminent threats from climate change and may have to relocate, at a cost of as much as $200 million each. You can also try going easy with the meat, or at least buy local and organic food. Even a seemingly slight average temperature rise is enough to cause a dramatic transformation of our planet. There are plenty of other ways to tackle climate change: Buy and grow local food, use renewable energy and energy-efficient appliances, insulate your home, nurture soils and grasslands, run for office, explore high- and low-tech ways to capture greenhouse gases, support research and organizations that can mobilize more people and resources to find solutions … There’s still time for them to turn this around – and there are clear things they can do – but they need to take bold action now. Nations around the world are upping their game in the fight against climate change, even as President Trump recently announced the U.S.'s withdrawal from the Paris Agreement. The Natural Resources Defense Council works to safeguard the earth - its people, Project Drawdown recently put together a report highlighting 30 behavioral solutions ordinary people can take to combat climate change. Even if you can’t install solar panels or a wind turbine, you can still be a part of the clean-energy economy. The good news: We are not alone. Consider making some or all of these small changes. But we already have the answers, it’s just a question of making them happen. - Reduce your meat consumption (livestock is one of the biggest contaminators of the atmosphere) and increase your consumption of fruits and vegetables. Yes. The planet could face catastrophic water shortages.And hundreds of millions of people will be displaced from their homes.. “Air transport is a major source of climate pollution,” Haq says. 89. 1. And given the lack of progress to date, each of us has to be considering how and where to take to the streets. By voicing your concerns—via social media or, better yet, directly to your elected officials—you send a message that you care about the warming world. In a world of more than seven billion people, each of us is a drop in the bucket. Even better, a new initiative by former New York City mayor Michael Bloomberg gives the urban layer of this movement a boost. 2021 Try searching with different keywords. We now have a climate plan and accountability legislation, but neither is strong enough to meet our goals. Approximately 10 percent of U.S. energy use goes into growing, processing, packaging, and shipping food—about 40 percent of which just winds up in the landfill. US charitable number: 94-3204049 The many ways to reduce your transportation emissions will also make you healthier, happier and save you a few bucks. That’s where we have the greatest opportunity to reduce emissions. Get on your bike! The benefits of reining in climate change are big From cleaner air and lower energy bills, to less stress on the NHS. For good reason: Relative to a national fleet of vehicles that averaged only 28.3 miles per gallon in 2011, Americans will spend $80 billion less at the pump each year and cut their automotive emissions by half. There is a lot you can do to drive down this cost. Search online for local renewable energy co-ops to join. So take shorter showers, turn off the tap while brushing your teeth, and switch to WaterSense-labeled fixtures and appliances. It’s important to remember the equally vital contributions that can be made by private citizens—which is to say, by you. Are the Effects of Global Warming Really that Bad? By The Grantham Institute. Solving climate change requires us all to work together. Fun fact: You can also help save the planet by eating insects! And once all cars and light trucks meet 2025’s clean car standards, which means averaging 54.5 miles per gallon, they’ll be a mainstay. Ten ways you can help fight climate change. Here are nine questions about climate change you were too afraid to ask, including “How do we stop it?” 90. So climate change is any change in the climate, lasting for several decades or longer, including changes in temperature, rainfall or wind patterns. Taken together, the outlets in your home are likely powering about 65 different devices—an average load for a home in the U.S. Overcoming polarization is key to moving forward on climate solutions. Looking for a silver lining in the harrowing United Nations climate change report? “If you’re wasting less food, you’re likely cutting down on energy consumption,” Haq says. Contact your member of Congress or the Senate. Where practicable, we can counterbalance our annual carbon dioxide emissions by investing in commercial services that draw down an equal amount of carbon out of the atmosphere, such as through planting trees or carbon capture and storage techniques. Small steps add up, if we all do our part. A step-by-step guide to protecting your community from dirty development projects. But changes can begin with small steps, like educating yourself on the evidence, causes and effects of climate change . Join a climate action event. You can also go straight to the source; the latest Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change report. You can also talk to your parents about the importance of voting for climate action. Turn your city into a climate sanctuary, rally on Main Street, and other ways to make change globally by acting locally. And despite this reckless move, American mayors, state leaders, county officials, governors, major companies, and millions of citizens across our country have pledged that they're "still in" when it comes to the agreement, and supporting the goal of limiting future warming to well below 2 degrees Celsius. Focus on your community Taking the time to get involved in conservation efforts in your area is a great way you can help fight climate change. In Canada, municipalities have influence over about 50 per cent of our emissions. It’s hard to imagine what we as individuals can do to resolve a problem of this scale and severity. Another win for New England! If you’re too young to vote, encourage your class or school to join a Student Vote program, which provides students the opportunity to experience participation in the election process. Responding to climate change will involve a two-tier approach: 1) “mitigation” – reducing the flow of greenhouse gases into the atmosphere; and 2) “adaptation” – learning to live with, and adapt to, the climate change that has already been set in motion. All our politicians need to hear - well in advance of elections - that we insist on coherent and strong climate policies. The effects of climate change are already threatening our health, our communities, our economy, our security, and our children’s future. You can make your space more energy efficient by sealing drafts and ensuring it’s adequately insulated. If all Americans kept their tires properly inflated, we could save 1.2 billion gallons of gas each year. Gas-smart cars, such as hybrids and fully electric vehicles, save fuel and money. And make sure your workplace, pension fund, university or bank doesn’t invest in fossil fuels either. Below is a book excerpt that covers the citizen and consumer categories. . Learn more about climate change and discover ways to take action. Your role as a citizen with your local government is powerful. Protect the people and places you love. The government put forward an additional A$2bn (£1bn) spread over 15 years to help … Ahead of the strike date, we asked several UBC experts who work in climate-related fields for their views on what we can do to stop climate change. Together, they can really add up. This damage can result in a large-scale and long-term change to weather patterns affecting the seasons and our ability to raise livestock and farm crops. What can one person, or even one nation, do on their own to slow and reverse climate change?But just as … Know that your vote really matters. Governments, businesses, and utilities are moving toward cleaner energy. Carbon dioxide is the climate’s worst enemy. David Suzuki. Small steps can add up to big reductions in your electricity use—and your utility bill. The first thing you can stop doing immediately is to stop wasting food. “Energy efficiency is the lowest-cost way to reduce emissions,” Haq says. You can also speak to your financial adviser about clean energy/technology investments. its plants and animals, and the natural systems on which all life depends. 5 Ways to Curb. You are more likely to open people’s minds. The best thing we can all do is to put pressure on the government to act urgently. 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