Science shows that with proper actions, it is possible to significantly reduce the damage caused by global warming. Some of the steps depend on each one of us.
The ball is in our court.
More and more people are concerned, rightly, about climate change and its negative effects on our lives and the global ecosystem.
Many want to take an active part in solving the problem but do not always know how.
We hear countless suggestions on how to live more sustainable lives, meeting the needs of the present while considering future generations, but which steps will be the most significant?
Three Crises
According to a special UN report, three unprecedented environmental crises currently threaten both human survival and quality of life: the climate crisis, the pollution crisis, and the biodiversity crisis. These three crises are interconnected and reinforce each other, so all three must be addressed simultaneously.
Coal burning, for example, pollutes the air with substances that worsen all three crises together.
They harm health, warm the climate, and create acid rain that damages ecosystems.
On the other hand, actions that help restore natural systems increase their ability to capture carbon dioxide from the atmosphere, thereby contributing to slowing the climate crisis.
Reducing the climate crisis, in turn, contributes to restoring natural systems, and the cycle continues.
Despite their interconnection, many solutions focus on addressing only one primary crisis, with limited impact on the others.
For nature conservation, for example, it is important to protect as much natural land and the ecosystems on it as possible, while tackling climate change requires primarily reducing greenhouse gas emissions.
Here, we focus on the actions needed to slow the climate crisis. A similar approach can help solve other environmental crises.
Why Do We Pollute?
Human activity produces large amounts of greenhouse gases released into the atmosphere each year.
Specifically, the amount equals about 60 billion tons of carbon dioxide, an average of approximately 7.5 tons per person per year worldwide.
These gases will continue warming the Earth for many years, and the main way to stop the climate crisis is to quickly balance the amount of greenhouse gases we emit with what is absorbed or fixed in soil, oceans, and plants.
Carbon dioxide makes up three-quarters of all greenhouse gases emitted by human activity.
Most of it comes from burning fossil fuels such as coal, oil, and natural gas for energy, or from deforestation and the destruction of natural areas, mainly for food production.
Methane, the main component of natural gas, is the second most important greenhouse gas, responsible for about 18 percent of global annual greenhouse gas emissions.
Most methane is released from livestock, gas leaks from fossil fuel drilling, and chemical reactions at organic waste disposal sites.
Therefore, it is particularly important to address the energy sector, followed by agriculture and food production.
Energy powers most areas of life.
In industry, electric machines and hot furnaces produce the materials and products we consume in transportation, fuels power cars, airplanes, ships, and more and at home or work, we use energy for electrical appliances, heating, and cooling.
To reduce global warming, humanity must minimize emissions in all these areas.
Raise Your Voice
According to the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC), the most significant steps are those taken by governments and large corporations.
They can replace polluting power plants with renewable energy sources like solar or wind, and develop infrastructure to promote public transportation and electric vehicles.
Public pressure on decision-makers is therefore the most important tool for addressing the climate crisis.
The first Earth Day events show the potential of public pressure.
In the 1960s, the public in the United States became aware of the health and environmental consequences of human actions, leading to pressure for change.
On April 22, 1970, about a tenth of the U.S. population protested for environmental protection. Within three years, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency was established, and unprecedented laws were enacted regulating workplace safety, air and water pollution, environmental education, wildlife protection, and pesticide use.
These far-reaching changes saved millions of human lives and countless animals.
To reduce greenhouse gas emissions, countries must invest in legislation, budgets, and redesign of power systems, cities, nature reserves, transportation, and more.
As individuals, we can make an impact by voicing concerns to decision-makers.
This can include contacting legislators, government ministers, local authorities, council members, or using social media and media outlets.
Joining social and environmental organizations allows collaboration with others to promote needed solutions and enables more effective action.
The more we act and collaborate, the more we can achieve. Solutions also improve health and quality of life: switching to renewable energy reduces air pollution, improving public transportation reduces traffic congestion, and so on.
Change Your Habits in the City
According to the IPCC, the most significant lifestyle change we can make, which also reduces greenhouse gas emissions, is reducing private car use in favor of walking, cycling, and public transportation.
A bonus is improved physical fitness and health. If using a car cannot be avoided completely, it is recommended to adopt habits that minimize its use.
Choosing to live in urban areas that encourage walking, with pleasant and connected streets, many people, and easy access to work, leisure, and shops, helps reduce car use.
Consumer pressure can also drive improvements in public transportation.
The more people use buses and trains, the easier it is for transportation companies to expand services, encouraging more people to switch to public transit.
Fly Less
The greenhouse gases emitted by a single flight from a major city to New York equal those saved by being vegetarian for four years or not using a car for a year and a half.
Currently, there is no efficient aviation technology that avoids significant emissions.
Therefore, flying less is important.
When traveling abroad, fly economy class, choose closer destinations, prefer direct flights, and consider high-speed trains for domestic travel in the destination country.
Let Your Money Work
Even in ancient Rome, it was said that money moves the world, and today that remains true. According to the IPCC, countries must increase investment in climate solutions sixfold and stop subsidizing fossil fuel industries.
Much of this money comes from private financial institutions and the public, including through pensions.
Individuals can redirect their investments from polluting companies to more sustainable ones. Adopting responsible investment policies also provides financial benefits.
Direct donations to organizations working to reduce climate change are also possible.
Reduce Beef Consumption
Food is a strong lever for achieving human health and environmental sustainability.
The food industry accounts for a quarter of global greenhouse gas emissions and heavily impacts ecosystems.
Half of habitable land is used for agriculture, much of it for livestock grazing.
To achieve a healthy global diet by 2050, it is necessary to double consumption of fruits, vegetables, nuts, and legumes, and cut consumption of beef and sugar by more than half.
Plant-based diets improve both health and the environment.
Gradually adopting and maintaining new dietary habits is recommended.
Avoid compensatory overconsumption when reducing meat intake.
Consume Less
Almost every product has an environmental price.
Reduce purchases to what is truly needed.
Prefer second-hand, durable items, sell or donate unused items, repair broken devices, and choose energy-efficient appliances.
Moderate air conditioning saves energy and benefits the environment.
We Make a Difference
What we do matters, and we must choose the changes we make.
Humanity faces one of its greatest challenges.
Science shows it is possible to address it, and every part of society has a role.
Science also shows which actions are most important and effective to reduce global warming and climate change. Now, the ball is in our court.