5 Ways You Can Help Combat Climate Change

Climate change is a global environmental and scientific phenomenon that refers to changes in the earth’s climate patterns, including rising temperatures worldwide which triggers more intense weather, sea-level rise, and other harmful effects. Primarily attributed to human activity, climate change is caused by greenhouse gas emissions from vehicles, factories, and other sources that significantly impact our climate. These greenhouse gases trap heat in our atmosphere and prevent it from escaping. There are several steps that you can take to help combat climate change.

1. Reduce, Reuse, Recycle

You can reduce your carbon footprint by reducing transportation and other energy use. Going for a walk or bicycle ride instead of driving will help you reduce your greenhouse gas emissions. Investing in energy-efficient appliances and materials for home improvements will also help reduce your carbon footprint. Another way to reduce your carbon footprint, and save money is by reusing products you have already purchased. You can also recycle plastic shopping bags, which converts them into polyethylene, a non-toxic material that can be used to make other products, and reduces greenhouse gases from new manufacturing. Recycling is beneficial because it reduces the resources needed to create new products, and reduces the number of goods that end up in landfill.

2. Go Organic

Organic farming grows crops without synthetic chemical pesticides or fertilizers and protects the air and water quality by not putting chemicals into the environment. Organic foods are often locally grown, reducing energy consumption for transportation. They are also a good source of nutrition since they are grown naturally and without genetic modification.

The U.S. Department of Agriculture offers a number of resources to assist with organic farming. Some of the sustainable means of organic farming include cover crops, integrated pest management, and crop rotation. Cover crops are planted between the rows in a field to help feed the soil, reduce weeds, and protect against erosion. These crops include brassicas, cereal grains like oats and barley, and other flowering plants. Crop rotation is planting different crops in the same field each growing season to avoid introducing pests and diseases into a field. An integrated pest management system uses ecologically based practices to manage insects, weeds, and other pests.

Investing in organic farms keeps the costs and environmental impact of producing food lower than conventional farming. 

3. Become a Code Green Ambassador

Many companies have committed to reducing their carbon footprint for the environment’s sake. You can become a Code Green Ambassador and help spread the word about climate change efforts. Give presentations or give business referrals to other Code Green companies, and participate in events and activities that promote environmental sustainability, such as tree planting and other conservation projects. You can also promote your business by using social media and other methods. Spread the word that each person can help reduce climate change through everyday choices.

4. Vote for Legislative Action

Legislation is one of the most powerful ways to combat climate change. You can vote for candidates that support policies that promote climate change and reduce greenhouse gases. Solutions such as alternative energy, carbon taxes, and renewable energy sources will help us move towards a cleaner, healthier planet. You can write letters to politicians and your legislative representatives to voice your concerns about the environment and climate change and encourage others to vote for environmental legislation. You can also volunteer for an environmental organization.

Future leaders understand that climate change can be solved by positive action. Knowledge and understanding are fundamental to combatting climate change.

5. Impact Investing

We now understand that Impact investing is investing in businesses or funds that focus on a positive social or environmental impact and a financial return. Impact investing returns are typically higher than traditional investments. An example of impact investing is an investment in community renewable energy projects, which allows community members to invest in renewable energy sources such as solar and wind power. Investing in local, clean energy sources can reduce carbon emissions and combat climate change.

The planet’s climate change is a global problem that will require help from everyone. Each of us can do our part to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and protect the planet. There are many ways to do this, from avoiding the use of plastic grocery bags so they don’t end up in landfills to replacing your light bulbs with energy-efficient ones. Little changes can make a big difference. to the overall solution for climate change.