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“Climate change is not a far-off problem. It is happening now and is having very real consequences on people’s lives. Climate change is disrupting national economies, costing us dearly today and even more tomorrow. But there is a growing recognition that affordable, scalable solutions are available now that will enable us all to leapfrog to cleaner, more resilient economies.”
– The United Nations.
We’ve all read a lot of literature about how we can save energy and decrease pollution from our school days. But the best way to combat climate change is if we all combat it together. Like charity, activism begins at home. Here are a few well-known yet rarely-followed methods which can help save our future. They will seem mundane and small-scale, but when thousands of individuals join together it will definitely dent an impact.
1. Walk the talk – literally. Try carpooling but also walk more often whenever you can afford to. You’ll be saving fuel and decreasing pollution. Also, it’s healthy, economical and reduces stress.
2. Eat wisely. The correlation between action against climate change and personal hygiene is well-documented. Avoiding processed items and reducing the consumption of meat will help in curbing global warming. This is due to many reasons, mainly because 18% of greenhouse gases are caused by livestock farming.
3. Drive slow and steady. When on the road, don’t drive recklessly, cut down your speed, and fix that broken engine. Not only will this increase the efficiency of your vehicle and ensure your safety, but it’ll decrease 25% of CO2 emissions.
4. Choose renewable power. Green energy, wind farms, CNG etc. There are many alternatives that are safer, healthier and more productive.
5. Adopt energy efficiency. Again, something we’ve heard from innumerable sources and yet mostly forget. Switch off the lights when not required, adopt LEDs, unplug your appliances when not in use, air-conditioners are CFC hubs so buy energy-efficient ones, embrace green energy etc.
6. Take shorter showers. Use less water for your showers, and save water in any way you can.
7. Plant a tree! Really, this method is a solution to so many problems that we face today. And there’s no need to explain why.
8. Get informed & get involved. Research more on the issue – the internet is your limit, and the internet does not particularly have a limit. Browse for more ways in which you can contribute, and spread awareness, urge your friends and family members to join you.
This World Ozone Day, let us promise to commit ourselves to protecting our natural resources and fighting climate change.
