To tackle climate change, governments around the world must make a commitment to lower emissions. But while governments must take action, we can't afford to wait for politicians to take the lead.
We need to take responsibility for our effects on the climate as individuals. We produce emissions when we drive to work, when we heat our homes, when we cook. Even what we choose to buy and throw away creates emissions. By committing to make small changes in our life styles, we can make a dent in climate change.
In this section, we've compiled a few daily choices you can make to become part of the solution. This list is as basic as they come. In our Curbing Climate Change Resources section, you can find many more ways to reduce your impact, so check it out!
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Calculate your Carbon Footprint. Your carbon footprint is your own personal emissions profile. Understanding which of your day to day activities create emissions is the best way to start reducing your impact.
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Travel Smart. The fossil fuels we burn while we travel are a huge contributor to climate change. By choosing to walk, cycle, or take public transport whenever possible you can not only do your part to combat climate change, but save on petrol in your car.
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Stay Grounded. Air travel is among the worst contributors to global warming. When you travel by land rather than flying you get to see the sights along the way and combat global warming.
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Recycle your Trash and Buy Recycled Products. Recycled products require less energy to make and result in fewer emissions. Recycling paper products even saves trees, which in turn remove greenhouse gases from the air.
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See the Light. Using energy efficient bulbs not only helps curb climate change, it saves you money on your electric bill.
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The Trees of Life. Trees clean carbon from the air, so plant some or support a charity which protects trees worldwide.
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Switch Off. The effects of leaving your computer on standby rather than switching it off are staggering. Getting out of the habit of charging your cell phone over night, or leaving your computer on during lunch is an easy way to cut your emissions.
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Escape the Heat. When your heating or cooling bills are high, so are your emissions. Weather proofing your house costs a bit at the outset, but it pays for itself over time in money off your energy bill.
