7 Easy Measures That Can Help Prevent Climate Change
With the world becoming a global village, talks about climate change have become quite frequent.
Now and then we see people advocating for driving positive climate action and pushing businesses and policymakers to set ambitious targets required to mitigate the impacts of climate change.
With the improved access to information, the people are now aware of the impacts of climate change if the emission trend of greenhouse emissions continues at a business-as-usual approach.
Because of the rapid warming of the planet, the recently published report of the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change was declared as ‘code red for humanity’.
You certainly have read a lot about the impacts of climate change like sea-level rise, extreme events of droughts and precipitation, food and water scarcity, loss of habitat, and extinction of species.
Despite all the challenges, you might want to learn about meaningful ways to help mitigate climate change.
In this article, you will learn 7 easy measures that can help prevent climate change through individual actions.
We are all familiar with the term global warming, and we mostly link it to climate change. But, there are associated areas that need a special mention.
Climate change affects all of us differently. According to the World Economic Forum’s Global Risks Report 2021, the failure to mitigate and adapt to climate change is declared as the ‘most impactful risk’ that communities are likely to face.
To cater to the challenge, we need the implementation of immediate actions and collective efforts.
Due to the rise in the earth’s temperature, the weather has worsened and every succeeding year is being declared as the hottest year of the century.
The prolonged wildfires have resulted in the loss of major habitats and species that regulate the functioning of our ecosystems.
Besides impacting the natural resources, the impacts of climate change can not be overlooked on human health. Rapid seasonal variations have weakened the human immune system to cope up with the changing climate.
Moreover, vector-borne diseases are now widespread, resulting in more cases of infections and allergies among humans.
How can you help prevent climate change?
You must be wondering that climate change is a global crisis so how can you help make a difference? Well, you need not worry. We have got the easy steps covered for you.
Individual actions coupled with collective action can help make an impact count!
Below are a few of the actions that do not require tedious effort, but they can help you drive positive climate action.
- Say no to plastics
Plastic products are extremely harmful to the environment as they take hundreds of years to degrade, polluting soil and streams, and killing large numbers of marine animals.
By 2050, plastic production could account for up to 13% of our planet’s carbon budget.
By ditching single-use plastics from your life, you can help reduce the emissions resulting from plastic production.
- Reduce resource consumption
Before utilising what could have gone to waste, reduce the consumption of the resource at the source.
For example, food waste accounts for 10% of global greenhouse gas emissions. Instead of practicing upcycling or composting, do not waste the food in the first place.
Cook or take what you can consume completely.
- Recycle to recover
Recycling is a cost-effective and environmentally beneficial waste-reduction method that produces no greenhouse gas emissions.
Make sure to take your old paper, glass, plastic, and electronics to a recycling facility near you.
These products can be transported to a processing facility where they will be converted into other recyclable materials that can later become raw materials for the production of another product.
- Adopt sustainable mode of transportation
The transport sector is one of the major causes of the rapid warming of the planet.
According to the estimates, the sector contributed 7.3 billion metric tons of carbon dioxide emissions in 2020 while passenger cars accounted for the highest share – 41% of the total transport-related carbon dioxide emissions.
The roads are crowded with vehicles resulting in traffic congestion and poor air quality.
By adopting sustainable modes of transportation, such as public transport, carpooling, and walking or cycling for a smaller distance, we can help minimise our individual carbon footprint.
- Plant to protect
Tree plantation is one of the easiest approaches to combat the climate crisis.
Despite the fact that we all inhale oxygen, only a few of us planted saplings in real life.
We have a little appreciation for the wonders a single tree does.
If you haven’t planted a single tree in your life, plan to plant one.
But, plant only indigenous species and choose the right site for plantation. Not to mention, don’t forget to provide post-care to the planted sapling.
You will surely not want it to die off at an early stage.
Make a transition to renewables
The world is now investing in renewable sources of energy to overcome the challenge of increasing carbon emissions.
The shift towards renewables reduces the risk of natural resource exploitation and provides a sustainable supply of energy without depreciating the environment.
Though the initial installation cost of renewables is high, the benefits are ever-lasting.
If you wish to help mitigate climate change, you can opt for the installation of solar panels at your home that is not only environmental friendly but will also reduce your electricity bills.
- Advocate for the cause
In today’s world, the need of enlightening others about climate change cannot be underestimated.
There are a variety of platforms that we may use to easily spread our message – may it be through social media, storytelling, arts, or writing.
Passion has no boundaries. If you really want to make change happen, you will find ways for it.
Educate others about how climate change is occurring and affecting our planet. Set an example for fellow beings, to help combat the climate crisis by practicing sustainable living.
Advocate for the cause and raise your voice against the global crisis that is impacting our survival and of the generations that are yet to come.
So, by reading the above-mentioned simple measures, you must now be in a position to drive positive action that can help mitigate the impacts of climate change. All you need is a willingness to start right away
