An Individual Approach to Prevent Climate Change

Climate change is an inclusive concept with sweeping consequences. Such a complex phenomenon has associated departments that combine to influence elements of the atmosphere. One such aspect is the carbon footprint.

As governments of countries address climate change at a broader level, there are specific measures you can take at an individual level too. Here, we expound on the numerous steps you can take, the habits you can alter and the possible lifestyle amends you can make to reduce your carbon footprint.

Reduce carbon footprint in five effective ways

Carbon footprint is directly associated with the amount of carbon dioxide and equivalent gasses in the atmosphere. It is established on the principle that links the decreasing air quality and global warming to excessive greenhouse gases in the environment. Therefore, all the steps which regulate carbon footprint aim to reduce activities with an association (direct or indirect) to greenhouse gas discharge.

Human consumption bears consequences, but only mindful usage makes a world of difference. Just like a million drops fill an ocean, individual efforts are of colossal significance. Here, we enlist the five burning causes of climate change and how you can moderate the severity of their effects.

1. Travel green

Fumes from vehicles are the most significant contributor to global greenhouse gas emission. The situation further intensifies with a growing population. Therefore, the only way forward is to opt for sustainable and smart ways to commute. Carpooling and choosing public transportation is both practical and useful. Now you know why environmentalist Royalty make the headlines when they fly private!

2. Conscious waste disposal

You may be a sensible consumer, but all your efforts will go in vain if you don’t know how to discard the minimal waste you produce. But is improper waste management an environmental hazard? Moreso, how is it linked to one’s carbon footprint? The waste lying in dumping grounds produces methane and CO2 when they naturally degrade under environmental conditions. Here, burning garbage is also a big NO as it directly adds to air pollution. Ergo, make efforts to control how much waste you produce and how you manage it. Develop the practice of waste segregation at home. Dedicate separate colour bins for each type of waste: bio-degradable, non-biodegradable and recyclable.

Additionally, make it a practice to reduce waste production by being a careful consumer.

3. Spread some awareness

As you join the ‘stop climate change’ movement, it is needful to tag others along the way too. The more the number of people who get educated on the matter; the quicker it would be to resolve environmental issues. Utilise every online/ offline opportunity you get. Spread some awareness on social media, forums, and knowledge-sharing platforms to tackle today’s burning issues.

4. Monitor what you eat

Your eating habits not only define your physical health but also determines your carbon footprint. The food you order, the ingredients that you cook with and the technique, all consume resources. The rarer ingredients you choose, farther the restaurant you order from and the slower the cooking technique you use for cooking, results in unnecessary exploitation of energy resources.

Furthermore, excessive meat intake also exhausts resources used in refrigeration, storage and preservation.

5. Consume energy wisely

Like fuel emission from vehicles, exhausting non-renewable resources is also a leading cause of a big carbon footprint. Fossil fuels are burnt, and natural resources are greatly exploited to fulfil human wants. Here, adopting smart energy sources and using renewable energy is beneficial. Additionally, informed energy usage and its best deployment are how you make amends to live a sustainable lifestyle.

It is a common misconception that individual efforts have little-to-no impact on the climate. But the truth is that there is enough evidence to support an argument otherwise. Individual carbon footprints are critical indicators of climate change, thus making them a major contributing factor.

It’s about time that traditional & non-traditional education systems include steps that educate about this individual impact.