Thursday, March 28, 2024
ADVT 
Youth Speak

Take Action: How to Help Tackle Climate Change

By Mehakpreet Dhaliwal, 24 Mar, 2021
  • Take Action: How to Help Tackle Climate Change

Our planet is slowly changing, evidence of which can be found in rising sea levels, more frequent extreme weather events, and shifting animal habitats. Here are few simple tips on what you as an individual can do to help fight climate change.

 

Many consider climate change to be the greatest threat our world is facing today. Our planet is slowly changing, evidence of which can be found in rising sea levels, more frequent extreme weather events, and shifting animal habitats. This is known as ‘climate change,’ which is caused by global warming. The idea is that carbon dioxide (CO2) and other greenhouse gases released into the environment trap heat in the atmosphere, which causes Earth’s temperature to rise. Rising temperatures lead to a number of other environmental problems and complications. People of all ages from all around the world are taking action, organizing strikes and petitions and imploring politicians to make the right decisions to save our planet before it’s too late. Here are few simple tips on what you as an individual can do to help fight climate change.



Power your home with renewable energy

One of the largest sources of greenhouse gas emission is the use of non-renewable energy. This includes the burning of fossil fuels for energy, which is then used for heating, electricity, transportation, and industrial purposes. Choose a utility company that generates energy using renewable resources, such as wind or solar.

Optimize your diet

The meat and dairy production industries are also responsible for a large portion of greenhouse gas emissions. Reducing the amount of meat and dairy based meals in your diet, and replacing them with plant-based foods can make a big difference. Also, buying organic and local food helps protect the environment and climate as they contain fewer pesticides, and reduce carbon emissions caused while transporting the produce.

Avoid using plastic

Almost all plastic is made from fossil fuels, such as coal, natural gas, and crude oil, which means it emits greenhouse gases as it decays. Plastic has found its way almost everywhere - in landfills, oceans, on the streets, and even in the air - and its durability also makes it hard to get rid of easily. Avoiding one-use plastics and replacing them with reusable versions can help reduce plastic waste, along with greenhouse gas emission.


Sustainable transportation

Carpooling, taking public transit, riding a bike, or even walking for transportation helps reduce your carbon emission while saving you a few bucks. Switching to a fuel efficient vehicle, such as a hybrid or fully electric car, is another great way to save money and fuel.


Speak up and spread awareness

Educate yourself on the issue, spread awareness using social media, and voice your concerns by talking to local elected officials. Being politically active and making sure you’re voting for politicians and parties that care about climate change is also very important. Lastly, join and support movements and non-profit organizations such as Fridays for Future or Climate Action Network to show that you care about the future of our planet.

Without efforts to prevent global warming and climate change, the challenges will only increase. Many people feel that the issue is too widespread for the actions of an individual to really make a difference. However, as David Suzuki once said “In a world of more than seven billion people, each of us is a drop in the bucket. But with enough drops, we can fill any bucket.”

MORE Youth Speak ARTICLES

Life Skills,Sports & Youth

Life Skills,Sports & Youth

Participation in sports and activities positively impacts the lives of young children by helping them develop important life skills, character traits, and values. 

The key to success: Mastering Time Management

The key to success: Mastering Time Management

As Benjamin Franklin once said, “Time is like money. Without being managed properly, how do you know where it’s going?”

 

Teen Stress: What Parents Need to know

Teen Stress: What Parents Need to know

Stress in teens can lead to anxiety, high blood pressure, and a weakened immune system, which can further lead to diseases and complications.

Transitioning to university 

Transitioning to university 

There really isn’t any way to prepare for it besides just going into it headfirst with an open mind, inquisitive nature, and a willingness to extend beyond your comfort zone.

Conserving Water One Drop At A Time

All across the world, there are many people who have to spend their entire day searching for water, and in many cases, this water isn’t even sanitary. 

CPR & AEDs: The life you save may be your loved one’s

Survivors of cardiac arrest are grateful for AEDs and bystanders that performed CPR on them.

PrevNext