A reader asked us:
How can we as individuals and as a society contribute to reversing climate change?
We know we cannot return the planet to its previous state; however, what we can do is fight climate change so that we and our descendants do not live in a more dangerous world.
To answer this question, veteran journalist Johnny Carolina Ponce helps us find ways to slow climate change both on an individual level and as a society. This is his response:
Mitigating climate change is a global challenge that requires action at both the individual and collective levels. Every small change in the way we live has a larger, more positive impact on our planet. We must first exercise our individual power and then join in collective action. Through coordinated and intentional measures, we can make a big difference.
Some ways we can contribute on two levels:
an ignorant individual
Reduce energy consumption:
- Use renewable energy: If possible, choose to install solar panels. The federal government currently offers tax credits.
- Save energy at home: Turn off lights and appliances when not in use. Choose LED light bulbs and high-efficiency appliances, and get tax credits on your appliances.
Sustainable transportation:
- By bike or on foot: Avoid using cars as much as possible.
- Public transportation: Use a bus, train or subway instead of a private car.
- Share itinerary: If you must use a car, share a ride with someone else. For example, if you are taking your children to school, divide the work with other parents and take turns picking up and dropping off your children.
- telecommute: Whenever possible, work remotely or at least hybridly.
- Buy an electric car: Electric vehicles produce fewer emissions than gas-powered vehicles, and the federal government is offering tax credits for the purchase of such vehicles. For more information in Spanish click here
oneFeeding:
- Reduce meat consumption: Meat production, especially beef, has a high carbon footprint. This isn't about going vegetarian or vegan, but if you eat beef five times a week, eat it three to four times.
- Buy local and seasonal products: Support local farmers and reduce the carbon footprint of food transportation. Here's a guide to some of the foods produced in each season
Reduce waste:
- Recycling: Follow your community’s recycling guidelines and reuse products when possible.
- Reduce plastic: Use reusable bags, bottles and containers.
- Compounds: Composting is a controlled process that requires oxygen and converts organic material into a nutrient-rich soil amendment or mulch through natural decomposition. The end product of this process is organic fertilizer. Microorganisms in your compost pile feed on the materials you add. They use carbon and nitrogen to grow and reproduce, water to break down matter, and oxygen to breathe. You can make compost at home using food scraps from your kitchen and dry leaves or woody materials from your garden. In the United States, some counties offer educational programs about composting.
Education and Awareness:
- Get informed and educated: Stay informed about climate change and share this knowledge with others.
- Participate in community activities: Join groups and events that promote sustainability.
at a social and community level
Public policy:
- Green policy support: Support and vote for leaders and policies that promote environmental protection and clean energy.
- Participate in public consultation: Participate in discussions and negotiations on projects that impact the environment.
Companies and Enterprises:
- Encourage sustainable practices: Support companies that practice sustainability. Request companies to adopt green practices via letter or email.
- Corporate Social Responsibility: If you have a business, implement social responsibility and sustainability policies.
Communities and Organizations:
- Community projects: Organize or participate in community recycling, cleanup and tree planting programs.
- Cooperation with NGOs: Cooperate with NGOs dedicated to environmental protection.
Education and culture:
- Educational Program: Promote and support climate change education programs in schools and communities.
- media: Use media and social networks to spread your message and raise awareness of the climate crisis.
The key to combating climate change lies in humanity’s ability to come together at individual and community levels. Every action, no matter how small it may seem, is vital and contributes to the well-being of our planet. By adopting sustainable practices and encouraging others to do the same, we can build a greener, healthier future. Let us act now to ensure a more livable world for future generations.
