How You Can Help With Climate Change

Every bit United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres said at the recent Un Climate Change Conference of the Parties (COP26), "Our fragile planet is hanging by a thread. We are withal knocking on the door of climate ending. It is fourth dimension to go into emergency mode — or our risk of reaching net-zero will itself be zero."

The outlook tin can seem depressing. But the good news is that there is a lot we tin can nonetheless do every bit individuals to change this narrative.

"The climate emergency demands action from all of us. Nosotros need to get to net zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2050 and everyone has a part to play," said Niklas Hagelberg, UNEP'due south Climate change Coordinator. "We, as individuals, must change our consumption habits and force per unit area those who correspond us – our employers, our politicians – to move rapidly to a depression-carbon world."

Here are 10 ways you tin can exist part of the climate solution:

A woman typing on a phone at night. — *Photo: Unsplash / Becca Tapert*

ane. Spread the word

Encourage your friends, family unit and co-workers to reduce their carbon pollution. Bring together a global movement like Count U.s.a. In, which aims to inspire 1 billion people to have practical steps and challenge their leaders to act more boldly on climate. Organizers of the platform say that if 1 billion people took action, they could reduce as much as twenty per cent of global carbon emissions. Or yous could sign up to the UN'southward #ActNow entrada on climate alter and sustainability and add your vocalization to this disquisitional global fence.

Young women at a climate change protest. — *Photo: Unsplash / Callum Shaw*

2. Keep upwardly the political pressure

Lobby local politicians and businesses to support efforts to cutting emissions and reduce carbon pollution. Count U.s.a. In has some handy tips for how to practise this. Selection an environmental issue yous care most, determine on a specific request for modify and and so try to adapt a meeting with your local representative. Information technology might seem intimidating only your voice deserves to be heard. If humanity is to succeed in tackling the climate emergency, politicians must be part of the solution. Information technology'south upwardly to all of u.s. to keep up with the force per unit area.

Two people riding bikes. — *Photo: Unsplash / Coen van de Broek*

3. Transform your transport

Ship accounts for around a quarter of all greenhouse gas emissions and beyond the world, many governments are implementing policies to decarbonize travel. You can go a head start: leave your motorcar at home and walk or cycle whenever possible. If the distances are too corking, choose public transport, preferably electric options. If you must bulldoze, offer to carpool with others so that fewer cars are on the road. Get ahead of the bend and purchase an electrical motorcar. Reduce the number of long-haul flights yous take.

Houses with solar panels on their roofs. — *Photo: Unsplash / Jeremy Bezanger*

4. Rein in your power employ

If you can, switch to a zero-carbon or renewable energy provider. Install solar panels on your roof. Be more efficient: plough your heating down a caste or 2, if possible. Switch off appliances and lights when you are non using them and better yet purchase the most efficient products in the outset identify (hint: this volition save you money!). Insulate your loft or roof: you lot'll be warmer in the wintertime, cooler in the summer and save some coin too.

A vegetarian dish. — *Photograph: Unsplash / Jo Sonn*

5. Tweak your nutrition

Eat more plant-based meals – your body and the planet will thank you. Today, effectually 60 per cent of the earth'due south agricultural state is used for livestock grazing and people in many countries are consuming more animal-sourced food than is salubrious. Plant-rich diets tin can assistance reduce chronic illnesses, such as middle illness, stroke, diabetes and cancer.

A woman holds strawberries in her hands. — *Photo: Unsplash / Artur Rutkowski*

6. Shop local and purchase sustainable

To reduce your food'southward carbon footprint, buy local and seasonal foods. You'll be helping small businesses and farms in your expanse and reducing fossil fuel emissions associated with ship and cold chain storage. Sustainable agriculture uses upwards to 56 per cent less energy, creates 64 per cent fewer emissions and allows for greater levels of biodiversity than conventional farming. Go one footstep further and effort growing your ain fruit, vegetables and herbs. You can constitute them in a garden, on a balcony or even on a window sill. Ready up a customs garden in your neighbourhood to go others involved.

A rotten banana. — *Photo: Unsplash / Charles Deluvio*

7. Don't waste food

One-third of all nutrient produced is either lost or wasted. Co-ordinate to UNEP's Food Waste Index Report 2021, people globally waste i billion tonnes of food each yr, which accounts for effectually 8-10 per cent of global greenhouse gas emissions. Avoid waste matter by just buying what you demand. Take reward of every edible part of the foods yous buy. Measure portion sizes of rice and other staples before cooking them, store food correctly (apply your freezer if you have ane), be creative with leftovers, share extras with your friends and neighbours and contribute to a local food-sharing scheme. Make compost out of inedible remnants and use it to fertilize your garden. Composting is one of the best options for managing organic waste while also reducing environmental impacts.

A woman sews. — *Photo: Pexels / Teona Swift*

8. Clothes (climate) smart

The way industry accounts for 8-x per cent of global carbon emissions – more than all international flights and maritime aircraft combined – and 'fast fashion' has created a throwaway civilization that sees wearing apparel quickly end up in landfills. But we tin change this. Buy fewer new apparel and wear them longer. Seek out sustainable labels and apply rental services for special occasions rather than buying new items that volition merely be worn once. Recycle pre-loved dress and repair when necessary.

An overhead view of a forest. — *Photo: Unsplash / Geran de Klerk*

ix. Institute copse

Every twelvemonth approximately 12 1000000 hectares of wood are destroyed and this deforestation, together with agriculture and other land use changes, is responsible for roughly 25 per cent of global greenhouse gas emissions. We can all play a part in reversing this trend past planting copse, either individually or as function of a commonage. For example, the Plant-for-the-Planet initiative allows people to sponsor tree-planting around the world.

Check out this UNEP guide to see what else you can do as office of the UN Decade on Ecosystem Restoration, a global bulldoze to halt the deposition of country and oceans, protect biodiversity, and rebuild ecosystems.

Wind turbines at sunset. — *Photo: Unsplash / RawFilm*

x. Focus on planet-friendly investments

Individuals tin can also spur alter through their savings and investments past choosing financial institutions that exercise non invest in carbon-polluting industries. This sends a clear signal to the market place and already many fiscal institutions are offering more ethical investments, allowing you to utilize your money to support causes yous believe in and avoid those you lot don't. You can inquire your financial institution about their responsible banking policies and discover out how they rank in independent enquiry.

UNEP is at the front in support of the Paris Agreement goal of keeping the global temperature rise well below 2°C, and aiming - to exist safe - for one.v°C, compared to pre-industrial levels. To do this, UNEP has developed a Half-dozen-Sector Solution . The Six Sector Solution is a roadmap to reducing emissions across sectors in line with the Paris Understanding commitments and in pursuit of climate stability. The six sectors identified are Energy; Industry; Agriculture & Food; Forests & Country Use; Transport; and Buildings & Cities.