We must fight climate change. As the world warms, extreme weather events are becoming more frequent and intense, sea levels are rising, prolonged droughts are putting pressure on food crops, and many animal and plant species are threatened with extinction. It is difficult to imagine what we as individuals can do to solve a problem of this magnitude and importance.
The good news is that we are not alone. Many individuals, communities, cities, businesses, schools, and other organizations are taking action against climate change. If the predictions come true, in just a few years it will be affecting us all in increasingly severe ways.
Try using renewable energy to combat climate change
The global push for cleaner, healthier energy is underway. Renewable energy costs are gradually decreasing. Renewable energy will be the best option for both the environment and the economy, although relying exclusively on renewables is still challenging.
For example, Canada is leading the way in the use of renewable energy, making a difference in both cities and rural areas. How?
- Canada, with its large forest area and diverse geography, has significant renewable resources that can be used to produce energy; these resources include water, wind, biomass, solar, geothermal and ocean energy.
- Canada is a world leader in the production and use of energy from renewable resources. Renewable energy sources currently provide approximately 18.9 percent of Canada's total energy supply.
- Moving water is Canada's most important source of renewable energy, providing 59.3 percent of Canada's electricity generation. In fact, Canada is the world's second-largest producer of hydroelectric power.
- Wind is Canada's second most important source of renewable energy, accounting for 3.5 percent of electricity generation.
- Biomass is Canada's third most important renewable source of electricity generation, accounting for 1.4 percent of total electricity generation.
- Wind and solar photovoltaic energy are the fastest growing sources of electricity in Canada.
We think that if they can do it, so can we.
2. Travel in green vehicles
There are many ways nowadays to reduce polluting emissions from transportation. In addition, exercising will lead to a healthier, happier life and help you save money, especially now that oil and fuel prices are rising. So, whenever you can:
- Take public transport.
- Ride a bicycle.
- Car sharing.
- Switch to an electric or hybrid vehicle.
- Fly less (if you fly, make sure you offset your emissions).
3. Use energy wisely — you'll save money too!
The use of energy-efficient systems allows for less pollution and saves money.
Small changes add up:
- Switch to energy-efficient light bulbs.
- Unplug your computer, television, and other electronic devices when you are not using them.
- Wash the clothes in cold or lukewarm water (not hot).
- Clothes dryers are machines that use a lot of energy. Don't use them unless absolutely necessary.
- Install a programmable thermostat.
- Look for A+++++ appliances when you need to buy new ones.
- Use closures that prevent heat from escaping.
- Conduct an energy audit at home or in the workplace to identify where energy can be saved.
4. Help put a price on pollution to combat climate change
Raising the price of coal is one of the most important pillars of any climate policy. High coal prices make polluting activities more expensive and green solutions relatively more affordable, allowing businesses and households to use cleaner energy sources and save money.
Most economists agree that raising the price of coal in the markets is an efficient way to reduce emissions.
5. Consume less, waste less, enjoy life more
We consume too much, the production of many consumer goods is highly polluting, and we don't use resources wisely. But that's not the only way to do things. Together, we can build a society based on the idea that better doesn't necessarily mean more.
Focusing on life's simple pleasures—spending time in nature, being with loved ones—provides more benefits, a greater sense of belonging, and more happiness than buying and consuming. Sharing, making, fixing, recycling, reusing, and composting are all great ways to start.
6. Don't invest in fossil fuels to combat climate change
Let the industry know that, as a consumer, you want nothing to do with fossil fuels and that you care about climate change. Make sure that any investment you make, in any way, does not involve fossil fuels.
Fossil fuels are an industry that is going to disappear. They are a risk to the planet.
7. Invest in renewable energy to combat climate change
Even if you can't install solar panels or a wind turbine, you can still be part of the clean energy economy. There are electric companies that are cooperatives, which allow us to be members of clean energy organizations. One example is Somenergy.
8. Help the climate by consuming climate-friendly foods
There are a number of dietary changes we can make to reduce our impact on the climate, especially buying and consuming organic, local and seasonal foods and planning meals well to avoid waste as much as possible, which is one of the biggest problems occurring in developed countries.
9. Practice the 3 Rs against climate change
You know the drill: reduce, reuse, and recycle. Especially the first one, reducing consumption, which is the cornerstone of responsible consumption.
But it is obvious that we live in a society that encourages indiscriminate consumption and that on many occasions it is difficult to resist impulses; this is where the other 2 Rs come into play: reusing products and recycling containers, packaging and product scraps.
10. Tell your story, listen to others
A healthy planet and a stable climate are not political issues. They are about the future of humanity. It is important to have everyone working together to find solutions to the climate problem.
People are often much more influenced by family and friends than by experts, so if you want to help, bring up the topic of climate change with your friends and family. Share the stories you know: about the changes you've seen where you live, how climate change has affected you, and the changes you're making to lessen its impact.
At Explora Natura we strive to educate for the conservation of the planet's biodiversity through our excursions and end-of-year trips. Are you in?
