You have probably heard that our planet is in danger. For trips in the same country or continent, take the train or explore options using an electric car. 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. Studies suggest that a high-fibre, plant-based diet is also better for your health - so it can be a win-win. In the fight against Buy local, organic food where possible. When behind the wheel, think about the way you drive: Make sure the tyres are fully pumped, and that the oxygen sensors are in good order – this can improve the cars fuel mileage and efficiency by up to 3% and 40% respectively. 1. But after raising the plinth, water doesn’t enter our courtyard anymore, and we could now do vegetable gardening there. Sometimes it can help to talk to people about climate change on a scale they can understand. Read more about why flying shouldn't necessarily be the default option for international travel, and how businesses can lead the way in reducing the demand for air travel. Change to energy-efficient light bulbs. Look for the Energy Star label when buying new appliances. Photo: Gerardo Pesantez / World Bank Buildings are the biggest sources of greenhouse gas emissionswithin cities because of the energy that’s required for electricity, heating, and water. “Not bringing another human being into an already overpopulated world is a big way to reduce the amount of resources used by human kind”, lamented one reader. Investigate trading in your diesel or petrol car for an electric or hybrid model. “Religious communities can address some of the questions which are at the heart of climate change, such as fairness,” she said. Share it with your local MP. For some tips on successful climate-based conversations, check out Climate Outreach’s work with climate scientist and communicator Katherine Hayhoe. This briefing paper and animation highlight the co-benefits of climate action, high-fibre, plant-based diet is also better for your health, blog on going vegan for top tips on making it a success, investigating how people in the Western world can be convinced to eat them, a passenger in business class has a carbon footprint three times higher than someone in economy, flying shouldn't necessarily be the default option for international travel, variety of reputable carbon offsetting schemes, poor air quality in the capital leads to around 1,000 London hospital admissions, air pollution in the United States is associated with 30,000 deaths and reduced life expectancy, trading in your diesel or petrol car for an electric, Switching energy supply to a green tariff, important habitats for a wide variety of insects, animals, birds and amphibians, provide multiple benefits to public health, National Federation of Parks and Green Spaces, Integrating green and blue spaces into our cities: Making it happen, ask if you can opt out of funds investing in fossil fuels, the discussion around responsible investment, Conversations are a great way to spread big ideas, Climate Outreach’s work with climate scientist and communicator Katherine Hayhoe, Take our online survey to share your suggestions, Grantham Institute – Climate Change and the Environment, Download a designed, pocket-sized leaflet in PDF. 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. Here are 10 simple actions you can take to help reduce global warming. 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 … Over 100 schools have signed up to Meat-free Mondays and are including meat-free options on other days – but there is much more that can be done. However, the discussion around responsible investment – weighing up environmental, social and governance (ESG) factors and taking them into consideration when investing money – is growing. From cleaner air and lower energy bills, to less stress on the NHS. Meat and dairy production is responsible for 14% of global climate-changing emissions. Make sure your home is energy efficient. Our actions can create ripple effects that inspire and motivate collective actions, moving us towards the systemic change we need to tackle an issue like climate change. Find out who your MP is, and the best way to contact them. Plant trees. Small changes to your behaviour at home will help you use less energy, cutting your carbon footprint and your energy bills: Put on an extra layer and turn down the heating a degree or two. Put your purchasing power to good use by choosing brands that align with your new green aspirations. International work on climate change Climate change is a global problem – we're working internationally to influence governments to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, conserve vital forests and help developing countries cope with a changing climate. Use your car less, whenever possible, instead use sustainable transportation, such as bicycling, or use public transportation more often. For an optimal experience visit our site on another browser. The solutions are ranked by the amount of greenhouse gases they reduce by 2050. The separation has led to the misinformed view that addressing climate change means pursuing either mitigation or adaptation. Reduce plastic in your shopping. They absorb carbon dioxide and are associated with lower levels of air pollution. All rights reserved. Take Action Toolkit This toolkit, ideal for small groups or classroom settings, walks you through a set of questions and prompts to plan your own climate action project. Double glazing, insulation and low-energy lights are all good ways to increase the energy efficiency of your home. What Can Cities Really Do About Climate Change? Changes in normal levels of heat, cold, rain, and wind are known as climate change. Instead of getting in the car, walk or cycle – and enjoy the physical and mental health benefits, and the money saved. © 2021 Guardian News & Media Limited or its affiliated companies. 10 Things You Can Do to Reduce Climate Change . 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. Conversations are a great way to spread big ideas. 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. Turn off lights and appliances when you don’t need them. Create your own green space. By The Grantham Institute. Hang-dry your clothes when you can and use dryer balls when you can’t. Check out TCV. As you make these positive changes to reduce your environmental impact, share your experience with your family, friends, customers and clients. 9 things you can do about climate change . Our Vision: Healthy People in Healthy Communities . Encourage the use of renewable energies. This is a golden opportunity for education: for students, schools and communities to work together on a Check the building has proper insulation, and consider draught-proofing windows and doors. There are also a number of ‘ethical banks’ you can investigate. There is a lot you can do to drive down this cost. Learn how you can help fight climate change, find educator resources, or try the Climate Kids site featuring games, quizzes and facts. Ultimately, steps to reduce carbon emissions will have a positive impact on other local issues, like improving air quality and public health, creating jobs and reducing inequality. Climate change can make it more difficult for communities to provide drinking water and wastewater services, protect water quality, and maintain healthy aquatic environments. Don’t be a bore or confrontational. Here's what you can do to reduce your carbon footprint without changing your whole life. There are a variety of reputable carbon offsetting schemes that fund sustainable development projects or natural solutions like planting trees. Print Climate action resources for communities. From a science education perspective, one major thing that can be done about climate change is to support education efforts that help individuals and societies make informed decisions about climate change. Scientists, researchers and advocates share the top changes we Trees are only part of the solution. It has been shown to affect the health of unborn babies and increase the risk of dementia. IE 11 is not supported. Winterize your home to prevent heat from escaping and try to keep it cool in the summer without an air conditioner. This guide was produced by the Grantham Institute – Climate Change and the Environment, an institute of Imperial College London. The Adaptation Strategies below offer possible ways to address anticipated climate … Although a 1 degree rise in temperature sounds minimal, the effects of climate change are far-reaching, with floods, super-storms and droughts on the increase and seemingly no way to stop them. Banks, pensions funds and big corporates often hold investments in fossil fuel companies. So here’s a toolbox of the most impactful solutions for global warming (in no particular order) that you can do, today – and can pick and choose as you see fit: 1. 6. Seagrass is a vital marine habitat for a variety of species and an incredible carbon sink that helps to reverse climate change. Can feel helpless or selling them on million trees over the next 10 years – and that 's tree... Shelter and settle themselves appliances when you don ’ t reduce global 2. Do is on the adaptation side a variety of reputable carbon offsetting schemes fund... 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