Human emissions of heat-trapping gases have warmed the climate by nearly 1.1 degrees Celsius since pre-industrial times.
The global average temperature is expected to reach or exceed 1.5 degrees C within the next few decades.
Events like droughts, wildfires, extreme heat, sudden rainfall, and floods are happening faster than scientists previously assessed.
TIME FOR CLIMATE ACTION
Most of us are concerned, anxious, and stressed about the sudden weather events that climate change is ushering in but are unsure where to start.
The questions like, “What are the solutions to climate change?” “How can I fight global warming?” “What are environmentally friendly solutions?” and “How can I be eco-friendly?” keep disturbing us regularly.
It turns out that most of the solutions to climate change are in our hands, and each of us can make a difference. The majority of carbon emissions come from our routine household activities and tasks we perform.
Whether it is the food we eat, the transportation we use, the energy we consume, the personal care products we indulge in, the stuff we use to decorate our homes, or the clothes we wear – each of these activities has climate consequences and can be negated.
Don’t get us wrong; we are not saying that government, policymakers, and companies don’t have a role in removing the mess they have put us in. We feel they have a far more significant role in addressing Climate Change.
Having said that, the thought process is not to focus on issues where we might not have much say and control; instead, focus on aspects that are in our hands – the solutions that we can incorporate that will have a direct bearing on the carbon emissions.
Another good news is that the solutions can help with climate change and save money, improve our health, and create local jobs.
The skeptics might say unless the big climate change solution happens, our climate actions will not make much of an impact.
Have we heard an adage that alludes to the power of every drop that makes an ocean? The problem of climate change is enormous, and so is our resolve to address that.
So, in a nutshell, we need strong government policies and corporate actions, and all of us are taking steps in our limited sphere.
We have the power to create a healthy and sustainable planet, but it has to be done collectively. What happens to Earth in the next few years will depend on our choices today.
SWITCH TO SUSTAINABLE MOBILITY
Whether we live in a city or a small town, the need for transportation is a part of our daily lifestyle. However, there is one glitch: traditional vehicles with combustion engines need fossil fuels and are highly polluting.
As one of the solutions to climate change, electric vehicles (EVs) have emerged as a strong contender. Fully electric vehicles have zero tailpipe emissions as they use electricity to charge their batteries instead of fossil fuels like petrol or diesel and are therefore much better for the environment.
By switching to electric vehicles, you will contribute to the environment and enjoy economic benefits. The cost of running an electric car is considerably lower than petrol and diesel cars, and the efficiency also keeps improving as you cover more miles on an EV.
Apart from electric vehicles, other mediums of transport constitute sustainable mobility.
USE ECO-FRIENDLY PRODUCTS
If you want to adopt an environmentally friendly lifestyle, you need to become conscious about your products. The products that we use in our day-to-day lives all have environmental consequences. Whether in terms of resources they use, the manufacturing-related emissions they generate, or the after-use waste polluting our biosphere.
We can considerably lower the environmental impact by consistently using sustainable products.
In addition, you can buy products made from local resources, as this prevents the emissions generated as part of transportation and logistics.
Regular use of only eco-friendly products and following a sustainable lifestyle can go a long way in helping our planet become greener and better.
ADOPT SUSTAINABLE FASHION
Clothing is essential to our lives, but the constant urge to wear fashionable clothes has created an environmental problem. The fashion industry is one of the most significant contributors to pollution and greenhouse gases.
From logistics & transportation emissions to excessive water usage, from plastic to clothes waste, the fashion industry is impacting many areas of the environment. Even raw materials, chemicals, and fabrics contribute to environmental degradation.
It is time when we say enough is enough and look at our fashion choices and the garments we buy.
Sustainable fashion encourages the use of fabrics that are biodegradable and also addresses other adverse effects on the environment.
SAVE ENERGY
One of the biggest causes of global warming is the relentless use of energy for our daily necessities. The need for energy contributes to releasing harmful greenhouse gases that increase our Planet’s temperature.
We cannot do away with using this energy as it is an intimate part of our existence. Therefore, we must first find ways to conserve energy and invest in cleaner energy sources.
Switching to energy-efficient appliances and LED lights and powering off devices when not in use can conserve energy and reduce emissions.
In addition, you can also improve the ventilation system in your home. Windows with glasses will allow you to utilize sunlight instead of artificial lights fully. You can also consult a professional to review your house and give recommendations on aspects that need an upgrade.
We have listed many energy-saving ideas for your perusal that you can use at your home.
SPREAD GREENERY
One of the best practical ways to reduce atmospheric carbon dioxide and thus limit the ill effects of climate change is by spreading greenery.
There are several ways through which you can contribute to greenery.
You can get associated with tree planting organizations that work closely with the local communities and the government to ensure a sustainable and long-lasting impact of planting trees.
Another way to spread greenery is by gifting plants to your family and friends. This gift will also motivate your friend to start his/her sustainable journey.
Gardening is also a stimulating habit that you can practice in your daily life. You can start by keeping the ones that are easier to maintain.
REDUCE FOOD WASTAGE
While eating a plant-based and vegan diet is one way to contribute to the environment, the other important contribution we can make is preventing food wastage.
Getting food to the dining table involves various activities and labor. From farmers who help our food grow to things involved in logistics, transportation, and storage, producing food is heavily carbon-intensive. In addition, millions of people around the world go hungry every day.
Therefore, preventing food wastage should be one of the highest priorities for those who care about fighting climate change.
