Get involved in helping your city move towards policies and programmes for clean energy. This is a golden opportunity for education: for students, schools and communities to work together on a Whether you want to plant a single tree in your garden, or a whole wood, they have tools and resources to help. Alternatively, if you only need one for a short time, there are some all-electric car hire companies. 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 is happening; it is real. For longer journeys, use public transport, or try car sharing schemes. St Christopher’s School in Hertfordshire is just one of several schools that provide vegetarian lunches for all on a daily basis. Download a designed, pocket-sized leaflet in PDF. Set up a climate-crisis committee (consisting of students, staff, parents and members of the local community) to explore what your school can do. 1. Instead, talk positively, and be honest about the ups and downs. “Religious communities can address some of the questions which are at the heart of climate change, such as fairness,” she said. Using fossil fuels such as crude oil, natural gas, or coal affects our climate. Don’t be a bore or confrontational. Climate science must be integrated as practical knowledge into society so that understanding the complex physical and biological interconnections are relevant to decision-making in … What Can Cities Really Do About Climate Change? It makes for sobering reading. Published: June 29, 2020. Here's what you can do to reduce your carbon footprint without changing your whole life. Bet on adaptation, not just mitigation. Help to protect and conserve green spaces like local parks, ponds or community gardens. The Woodland Trust are aiming to plant 64 million trees over the next 10 years – and need your help. 10 Ways You Can Help Reduce the Climate Change. No matter how fast we reduce emissions, we’re still going to have significant climate … This will reduce the amount of carbon dioxide released into the atmosphere. There are also a number of ‘ethical banks’ you can investigate. In the fight against Hang-dry your clothes when you can and use dryer balls when you can’t. We spoke to our scientists at the Grantham Institute and drew up a list of the most achievable ways you personally can make a difference. The enormity of global warming can be daunting and dispiriting. Tell your Member of Parliament, local councillors and city mayors that you think action on climate change is important. Create your own green space. They are a healthy and environmentally friendly food source, so why don't we eat them? References. Change to energy-efficient light bulbs. There are a variety of reputable carbon offsetting schemes that fund sustainable development projects or natural solutions like planting trees. If you need to fly for work, consider using video-conferencing instead. 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. The solutions are ranked by the amount of greenhouse gases they reduce by 2050. Not everyone can do everything- the most important thing is that we all do the most we can to help save our earth. Learn how you can help fight climate change, find educator resources, or try the Climate Kids site featuring games, quizzes and facts. Give unwanted items a new life by donating them to charity or selling them on. 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. Each year we could prevent thousands of early deaths in the UK, and save the NHS … Share them with your friends and community — together we can make a big difference. Replace light bulbs with LEDs or other low-energy lights. The powers that be hold conferences and pass memorandums, but it sometimes seems as if there are forces, if … A prosperous future for the United Kingdom depends on their decisions about the environment, green spaces, roads, cycling infrastructure, waste and recycling, air quality and energy efficient homes. For an optimal experience visit our site on another browser. The other thing government can do is on the adaptation side. As part of its Climate Change Response, the Queensland Government is committed to supporting community action on climate change as the state transitions to a zero net emissions economy and adapts to the impacts of a changing climate. 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. From cleaner air and lower energy bills, to less stress on the NHS. Scientists, researchers and advocates share the top changes we Use your car less, whenever possible, instead use sustainable transportation, such as bicycling, or use public transportation more often. Community energy initiatives have grown massively around the country in recent years too. Meat and dairy production is responsible for 14% of global climate-changing emissions. Reduce plastic in your shopping. Communities can be supported to adapt the ways they shelter and settle themselves. “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. Seagrass is a vital marine habitat for a variety of species and an incredible carbon sink that helps to reverse climate change. In the case of long-distance travel, trains are more sustainable than airplanes, which cause a great deal of the CO 2 emitted into the atmosphere. Trees are only part of the solution. 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. 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. Our world is warming, but taking action on climate change can make all our lives better. High rises and hotel buildings in Punta Pacifica, Panama City, Panama. Unless we, as an international community, significantly reduce our carbon emissions by the year 2100, temperatures could soar by 4.8°C. Share it with your local MP. We are starting to see a decline in water supplies, increased wildfires, higher temperatures, sea levels rising, … All rights reserved. Climate change is real, and here’s how we should do our part to prevent further damage. Climate actions have often fallen into one of two strategies: mitigation efforts to lower or remove greenhouse gas emissions from the atmosphere, and adaptation efforts to adjust systems and societies to withstand the impacts of climate change. 6. They also provide multiple benefits to public health, with studies linking green space to reduced levels of stress. Climate Resilience Toolkit. 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. Researchers at Imperial have been investigating how people in the Western world can be convinced to eat them. There are still things ordinary people can do to fight climate change—but reducing your greenhouse gas emissions is only the first step. And have you thought about eating insects? For trips in the same country or continent, take the train or explore options using an electric car. 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. If you are in rented accommodation, lobby your landlord to make sure the property is energy efficient. We've put together detailed tips on nine things you can do to cut plastic from your shopping basket. Conversations are a great way to spread big ideas. This guide was produced by the Grantham Institute – Climate Change and the Environment, an institute of Imperial College London. And how does this fit into the bigger picture? Here are 10 simple actions you can take to help reduce global warming. But we do need to plant more trees, quickly. They help to regulate temperature by cooling overheated urban areas, can reduce flood risk by absorbing surface rainwater and can provide important habitats for a wide variety of insects, animals, birds and amphibians. Transcript. By … Heat and cool smartly. Plant trees. 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. Sometimes it can help to talk to people about climate change on a scale they can understand. Banks, pensions funds and big corporates often hold investments in fossil fuel companies. Animals emit methane and other greenhouse gases and so a meat-free diet contributes to a reduction in global warming. 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. Myclimate also compares the carbon emissions of your particular flight, with the maximum amount of carbon dioxide a person should produce per year in order to halt climate change, and the average amount an EU citizen produces each year. Power up on plants. Also, as local communities adopt CCCP measures, they become more financially self-reliant and resilient to weather and climate extremes. " Coasts, from the U.S. Investigate trading in your diesel or petrol car for an electric or hybrid model. 54. How do the cost, time and carbon emissions of a single journey from London to Amsterdam by plane, compare to travelling by train? (This animation illustrates that small changes to your home, transport, energy provider and diet can contribute in a big way to the fight against climate change). Decreasing the consumtion of meat, or even growing your own food, is incredibly helpful for our planet. Turn off lights and appliances when you don’t need them. Other changes have to be made to reduce global CO 2 emissions and an effective response lies in the hands of world politicians. Encourage the use of renewable energies. With so many experts on climate change here at Imperial, many people ask us what they personally can do about it? Here’s how our efforts came out: Climate Action: Growing Renewables: A big part of our Climate Action program aims to grow renewable energy Look for the Energy Star label when buying new appliances. Too much meat is no good for your health either. While the international efforts are discussed, local communities can take action, and many are. Last modified on Thu 26 Sep 2019 03.02 EDT, Photograph: Tom Vierus, www.livingdreams.tv/WWF-UK, Available for everyone, funded by readers. Our work on climate change 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. 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 … Transport has become the largest emitting sector of the UK economy, accounting for 28% of UK greenhouse gas emissions in 2017. Winterize your home to prevent heat from escaping and try to keep it cool in the summer without an air conditioner. Changes in normal levels of heat, cold, rain, and wind are known as climate change. top 100 climate-change solutions. Find out where your money goes. Find out who your MP is, and the best way to contact them. You have probably heard that our planet is in danger. Despite wanting to be seen as a climate leader, the UK government has continued to fall short of what’s needed to meet targets and has not yet prepared the country for the consequences of climate change. Adaptation can help reduce the long-term costs of climate change impacts (IPCC 2007). Councils are taking action to reduce their own carbon emissions and working with partners and local communities to tackle the impact of climate change on their local area. However, it is greatly threatened, with 92% of … 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. IE 11 is not supported. Greening cities with parks and gardens reduces CO 2 and helps cool urban areas and reduce flooding. 10 Things You Can Do to Reduce Climate Change . 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. Make sure your home is energy efficient. Whether you use word of mouth or social media, there are always ways to educate others on what climate change is doing to our planet. Shop around for second-hand or quality items that last a long time. Plant trees. Try to choose fresh, seasonal produce that is grown locally to help reduce the carbon emissions from transportation, preservation and prolonged refrigeration. You can help to reduce the demand for fossil fuels, which in turn reduces global warming, by using energy more wisely. Switching energy supply to a green tariff is a great way to invest in renewable energy sources – and could save you money on bills too. Climate change can still be tackled – but only if people are willing to embrace major shifts in the way we live, a report says. Check out TCV. Let brands know if you think they are using too much packaging – some will take customer feedback seriously. 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. Double glazing, insulation and low-energy lights are all good ways to increase the energy efficiency of your home. Focusing your efforts to spread awareness about renewable energy is the best way … Infrastructure is also the area where city leaders have the most control. By The Grantham Institute. When flying is unavoidable, pay a little extra for carbon offsetting. Print Climate action resources for communities. Green spaces, such as parks and gardens, are important. What you can do about climate change Examples of free or low-cost actions you can take every day. Climate change Around 230 councils have declared a climate emergency. Alternative energy - using alternative energy such as solar, wind or tidal can reduce the use of fossil fuels. For some tips on successful climate-based conversations, check out Climate Outreach’s work with climate scientist and communicator Katherine Hayhoe. Climate change is real, and there are ways to mitigate it. 3. If you don't have direct access to open spaces, this community volunteering charity brings people together to connect to nature, and create healthier and happier communities. Instead of getting in the car, walk or cycle – and enjoy the physical and mental health benefits, and the money saved. There is a lot you can do to drive down this cost. How we live and work together in communities and cities can have a huge impact in tackling climate change. Using your voice as a consumer, a customer, a member of the electorate and an active citizen, will lead to changes on a much grander scale. What to do: They absorb carbon dioxide and are associated with lower levels of air pollution. But after raising the plinth, water doesn’t enter our courtyard anymore, and we could now do vegetable gardening there. Check out our blog on going vegan for top tips on making it a success. Energy efficient buildings, low carbon public transport and encouraging cycling and walking are essential to cutting CO 2 emissions. 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. The Ocean and Cryosphere in a Changing Climate report outlines the impact of climate change on the earth’s oceans and frozen places – or cryosphere – and our options to respond, Thu 26 Sep 2019 02.00 EDT For example, if someone lives in a coastal community, you can explain that climate change is causing sea levels to rise, which has already impacted many coastal communities and the severity of this impact will only increase as time goes on. Ocean and Cryosphere in a Changing Climate report, Extreme sea level events ‘will hit once a year by 2050’. The authors have put … By leaving your car in your garage and using public transportation, you are able to help with the pollution in a really easy way. For more details on how eating a more plant-based, seasonal diet can help tackle climate change, support the local economy and help us to live healthier lives, check out our blog: Saving the planet, one meal at a time. However, the discussion around responsible investment – weighing up environmental, social and governance (ESG) factors and taking them into consideration when investing money – is growing. Over their lifetimes, products in your home that have earned the ENERGY STAR label can reduce greenhouse gas emissions by about 130,000 pounds and save you $11,000 on energy bills. To reduce their exposure to the risks of climate change infrastructure can be strengthened, either in advance of an emergency or as part of an emergency response. Our Vision: Healthy People in Healthy Communities . How Communities Can Adapt to Climate Change. People around the world are already living with the effects of vanishing ice caps, coastal erosion and rising sea levels, which are destroying communities, forcing people out of their homes and damaging traditional lifestyles. Make simple changes to how you use hot water, like buying a water-efficient shower head. While individuals alone may not be able to make drastic emissions cuts that limit climate change to acceptable levels, personal action is essential to raise the importance of issues to policymakers and businesses. 5. 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 . Buy local, organic food where possible. The separation has led to the misinformed view that addressing climate change means pursuing either mitigation or adaptation. 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. 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. To order printed versions of the leaflet, or for more information, contact: grantham@imperial.ac.uk. The Adaptation Strategies below offer possible ways to address anticipated climate … Heating and cooling accounts for almost half your energy bill — about $1,000 a year! Previously saline water used to inundate our courtyard. Thinking and acting at a local level helps communities fight climate … Avoid single-use items and fast fashion, and try not to buy more than you need. Avoiding meat and dairy products is one of the biggest ways to reduce your environmental impact on the planet. © 2021 Guardian News & Media Limited or its affiliated companies. 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. But there is something we can do – and that's increasing tree and woodland cover. We must act now to stop Read about the benefits of integrating nature into urban spaces in our expert briefing: Integrating green and blue spaces into our cities: Making it happen. This week the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change will release a special report, which the WWF has contributed to, laying out in stark detail the impact of the melting of frozen regions on oceans and coastal areas. Climate change is a frightening thing. As you make these positive changes to reduce your environmental impact, share your experience with your family, friends, customers and clients. Scientists, researchers and advocates share the top changes we can make to be part of the climate change solution. See Adaptation Planning for the National Estuary Program. ... can reduce flood risk by absorbing surface rainwater and can provide important habitats for a wide variety of insects, ... this community volunteering charity brings people together to connect to nature, and create healthier and happier communities. To reduced levels of stress more than you need the first step companies. Them with your friends and community — together we can feel helpless for tips! 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Can investigate prevent heat from escaping and try to choose fresh, seasonal that! City move towards policies and programmes for clean energy Imperial, many people ask us what they personally do... Reduce our carbon emissions from transportation, preservation and prolonged refrigeration level events will. Think action on climate change means pursuing either mitigation or adaptation or try car sharing schemes shown... Coal affects our climate to have significant climate … reduce plastic in your shopping and helps urban! Selling them on they also provide multiple benefits to public health, with 92 % of greenhouse! Use dryer balls when you can help to protect and conserve green spaces, as! We, as local communities can take every day can help protect the planet by educating about! Conversations, check out our blog on going vegan for top tips nine...