Climate Change
A. What’s climate change?
Climate change refers to long-term shifts in temperatures and weather patterns. These shifts may be natural, such as through variations in the solar cycle. But since the 1800s, human activities have been the main driver of climate change, primarily due to burning fossil fuels like coal, oil and gas.
Burning fossil fuels generates greenhouse gas emissions that act like a blanket wrapped around the Earth, trapping the sun’s heat and raising temperatures.
Source: https://www.un.org/en/climatechange/what-is-climate-change
B. What do you think we should do to help climate change?
1. Make your voice heard by those in power
Find out who your MP is, and the best way to contact them. This briefing paper and animation highlight the co-benefits of climate action, and why it is particularly relevant for decision-makers in cities and devolved regions. Share it with your local MP.
Join a social movement or campaign that focuses on environmental activities or gets everyone talking about climate change action, such as the Youth Strike 4 Climate or Extinction Rebellion.
2. Eat less meat and dairy
Avoiding meat and dairy products is one of the biggest ways to reduce your environmental impact on the planet. Studies suggest that a high-fibre, plant-based diet is also better for your health - so it can be a win-win. Eat fewer or smaller portions of meat, especially red meat, which has the largest environmental impact, and reduce dairy products or switch them for non-dairy alternatives .
Try to choose fresh, seasonal produce that is grown locally to help reduce the carbon emissions from transportation, preservation and prolonged refrigeration.
3. Cut back on flying
If you need to fly for work, consider using video-conferencing instead. For trips in the same country or continent, take the train or explore options using an electric car. When flying is unavoidable, pay a little extra for carbon offsetting.
For leisure trips, choose nearby destinations, and fly economy – on average, a passenger in business class has a carbon footprint three times higher than someone in economy.
4. Leave the car at home
Instead of getting in the car, walk or cycle – and enjoy the physical and mental health benefits, and the money saved. For longer journeys, use public transport, or try car sharing schemes.
Not only do cars contribute to greenhouse gas emissions, but air pollution caused by exhaust fumes from traffic poses a serious threat to public health. It has been shown to affect the health of unborn babies and increase the risk of dementia.
Furthermore, Imperial research shows that poor air quality in the capital leads to around 1,000 London hospital admissions for asthma and serious lung conditions every year, and that air pollution in the United States is associated with 30,000 deaths and reduced life expectancy.
5. Reduce your energy use, and bills
Small changes to your behaviour at home will help you use less energy, cutting your carbon footprint and your energy bills:
a. Put on an extra layer and turn down the heating a degree or two.
b. Turn off lights and appliances when you don’t need them.
c. Replace light bulbs with LEDs or other low-energy lights.
d. Make simple changes to how you use hot water, like buying a water-efficient shower head.
6. Respect and protect green spaces
Plant trees. The Woodland Trust are aiming to plant 64 million trees over the next 10 years – and need your help. Whether you want to plant a single tree in your garden, or a whole wood, they have tools and resources to help.
Create your own green space. Add pot plants to your window sill or balcony, and if you have your own outdoor space, don't replace the grass with paving or artificial turf.
Help to protect and conserve green spaces like local parks, ponds or community gardens. Organisations like Fields In Trust and the National Federation of Parks and Green Spaces have advice and resources on how you can get involved in areas local to you.
7. Invest your money responsibly
Find out where your money goes. Voice your concerns about responsible investment by writing to your bank or pension provider, and ask if you can opt out of funds investing in fossil fuels. There are also a number of ‘ethical banks’ you can investigate.
8. Cut consumption – and waste
Try to minimise waste:
a. Repair and reuse.
Give unwanted items a new life by donating them to charity or selling them on.
b. Avoid wasting food.
Let brands know if you think they are using too much packaging – some will take customer feedback seriously.
9. Talk about the changes you make
Conversations are a great way to spread big ideas. As you make these positive changes to reduce your environmental impact, share your experience with your family, friends, customers and clients. Don’t be a bore or confrontational. Instead, talk positively, and be honest about the ups and downs.
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