There are countless threats facing the world today. Viruses like Zika and Ebola can spring up at a moment’s notice, poverty and all the problems that stem from it are still very real, and then there’s the ever-present threat of terrorism and war. One of the less talked-about threats, which is still very real all the same, is climate change. There’s no way of denying that climate change is happening now, so here are some of the ways you can do your bit to prevent it.
I’ll start you off with the simplest tip: talk about it. That’s right, just talk! Various studies have found that people have been talking less and less about climate change over the past few years. Sure, no one wants to be that irritating hippy who points out every little thing you do that could possibly be bad for the environment (man). However, if we don’t talk about climate change enough, we can contribute to a culture where everyone underestimates the effects of it, and the work that’s needed to be done to prevent further damage. Go out of your way to find out more about renewable energy, recycling and eco-friendly cars. Find out about the larger things being done around the world, like the Argentinian Renewable Energy Conference. By educating yourself and discussing climate change, you’ll contribute to a world where everyone’s doing their bit.
Source: Wikimedia
Next, have a look at your diet, and think about the impact it’s having on the world around you. A lot of people aren’t aware of the link between what we eat and the state of the world’s climate. However, if you can make a point to throw away less food or simply eat less, you’ll put a big dent in your carbon footprint. The United Nations’ Food and Agriculture Organization did a study in 2013 which found that if food waste ranked as a country, it would be the third highest carbon emitter in the world, coming after only the US and China. Cutting out meat completely is the best thing you can do in this area, but I wouldn’t say you’re obliged to do it. A good start would be reducing the amount that you eat steaks. A single calorie of store-bought steak requires 160 times more land than the same calorie in a potato.
Finally, consider getting involved in some kind of energy project in your local community. There’s something extremely satisfying about taking some of the market back from larger energy providers, even if you’re only doing it partially. When a community comes together and makes an energy product work, it not only reduces carbon emissions and helps the environment, but also has a noticeable positive impact on the local economy and sense of community. Although they may be a little invisible in your local area, I’m sure you can find a community energy project if you look hard enough. If not, there’s nothing stopping you from buying your own solar panels and starting a trend!
