Tag: climate change

The fight against climate change can feel overwhelming.

But what if we could make a big impact by focusing on just a few key areas?

That’s the promise of the 80/20 rule, also known as the Pareto principle: roughly 80% of the effects come from 20% of the causes.

Hannah Ritchie‘s book, Not the End of the World, emphasizes that by focusing on a few key areas, we can make a significant difference, just like the 80/20 rule.

Inspired by this message, I’d like to break down some of the biggest environmental problems and share a powerful principle for climate action.

Together, we can make a real difference.

Air Pollution: 2 Clear Solutions

Did you know air pollution is linked to an estimated 9 million deaths annually?

Exposure to air pollution can lead to a variety of health problems, including:

Respiratory illnesses: Air pollution can irritate the lungs, causing coughing, wheezing, and shortness of breath. It can also worsen existing respiratory conditions like asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).
Heart disease: Air pollution can damage the heart and blood vessels, increasing the risk of heart attack, stroke, and other cardiovascular diseases.
Lung cancer: Air pollution is a major cause of lung cancer.

The culprit? Burning fossil fuels like coal, oil, and gas.

The good news is the solution is clear: we need to transition to cleaner energy sources like solar, wind, and geothermal.

While big companies and governments have a big role to play here, we can still make a difference.

Here are two main ways individuals can help reduce air pollution:

Ditch your car whenever possible and opt for a bike or public transport

Not only will you be getting some exercise, but you’ll also be helping the planet.

A study found that cycling just 10 km a week can offset the carbon emissions produced by an average car.

Turn away from solid fuels

Solid fuels like fireplaces and wood-burning stoves might seem eco-friendly, but data from the book suggests otherwise.

Burning these fuels can release large amounts of pollutants inside your home and contribute to outdoor air pollution. In fact, they can be significantly worse than gas or electric heating systems.

5 Ways For Cleaner Air

With these key steps, we will start to enjoy cleaner air and contribute to a healthier planet.

Climate Change: 6 Powerful Actions

Climate change can feel like a colossal, overwhelming issue. Reducing emissions is key to fighting climate change.

But how?

First of all, we’ve got to understand the primary sources of emissions so we can target our efforts more efficiently.

The two main sources are:

Electricity and heat: This sector is responsible for roughly 25% of global emissions.
Transportation: Cars, planes, and trains are another major source, which accounts for roughly 28% of the emissions.

Next, how do we reduce emissions from those two main sectors?

We should:

Support clean energy initiatives

Cleaner energy sources are becoming increasingly affordable. Solar and wind energy have seen dramatic price drops, making them a viable alternative to fossil fuels.

Advocate for policies that promote renewable energy sources

Let your voice be heard! Contact your local representatives and express your support for renewable energy policies.

You can also find and join online petitions or social media campaigns advocating for clean energy solutions.

Reduce your reliance on cars

Consider walking, cycling, carpooling, or using public transport whenever possible.

Food production also has a significant impact on the environment and climate change. Here’s what we can do:

Shift to a more plant-based diet

Meat production, especially beef, has a large carbon footprint. Reducing your meat consumption can significantly lower your environmental impact.

Tackle food waste

Food waste is a global problem. Planning your meals, buying what you need, and storing food properly can make a big difference.

Reduce overconsumption

Buy and consume only what you truly need. This not only benefits the environment but also promotes healthy eating habits.

Remember, we can turn the tide on climate change and build a sustainable future through the above impactful actions.

Easiest Climate Change Explanation Ever!

Deforestation: 3 Ways To Stop It

Forests, particularly tropical rainforests, are often seen as the ‘lungs of the Earth’, playing a vital role in our planet’s health.

However, deforestation, the large-scale removal of trees, is a major threat to this critical system.

Why deforestation matters?

Trees act as carbon sinks, absorbing and storing carbon dioxide, a major greenhouse gas. Deforestation releases this stored carbon back into the atmosphere, accelerating climate change.

Deforestation’s devastating impact extends beyond climate change.

Forests are teeming with unique life, from towering trees to hidden insects. When forests are cleared, these irreplaceable habitats vanish, pushing countless species towards extinction.

What’s driving this destruction?

Appetite for beef: Believe it or not, the biggest culprit behind deforestation is beef production. Raising cattle requires vast areas of land, often leading to deforestation for grazing or growing animal feed.
Hidden in our shopping: Palm oil is another major culprit of deforestation in many everyday products. It’s found in processed foods, cosmetics, and even cleaning supplies. While sustainable palm oil exists, a significant portion of deforestation is linked to unsustainable production practices.

There are three main ways we can help stop deforestation:

Reduce meat consumption

Cutting back on red meat, like beef, is especially important. This reduces the demand for land used for cattle grazing and feed production.

Be a label-conscious consumer

When shopping for processed foods, check for products that use sustainable palm oil (RSPO certified).

Think beyond biodiesel

While biodiesel might sound eco-friendly, palm oil-based biodiesel can actually release more emissions than traditional fuels. Opt for other biodiesel options.

By making informed choices about what you eat and buy, you can help protect our vital forests and the incredible biodiversity they hold.

Food Carbon Footprint: 7 Key Actions

Food production plays a surprisingly large role in climate change, responsible for about a quarter of the world’s greenhouse gas emissions.

brown cattle behind barb wire — Photo by Pixabay on Pexels.com

According to the book, raising animals for food is a major contributor to emissions, land use, and water pollution.

The more meat we eat, the more land is needed for grazing and feed production. This can lead to deforestation and loss of biodiversity.

Also, did you know raising animals for food isn’t the most efficient way to get calories on your plate?

Livestock require a lot of feed to grow, but only a small portion is converted into edible meat. For instance, a cow might need 100 calories of feed to produce just 3 calories of beef!

So, how do we shift our diet to a more sustainable future? Here are some tips for eating more sustainably:

Reduce meat consumption

Especially focusing on cutting back on beef and lamb. Consider a hierarchy of meat choices: plant-based foods have the lowest impact, followed by chicken, pork, dairy, and then beef and lamb.

Embrace meat substitutes

Explore plant-based alternatives like veggie burgers and sausages. These options offer lower environmental impact.

Go plant-based with dairy

Plant-based milk, yoghurts, and cheeses offer delicious and sustainable alternatives.

Three Easy Homemade Plant-Based Milks

Embrace ugly fruits and vegetables:

They’re perfectly edible but often left behind.

Best-before dates aren’t discard dates

Trust your senses when it comes to these labels. By consuming items even after their ‘best before‘ dates, we can significantly reduce food waste.

Reduce food waste

Around one-third of the world’s food goes to waste! This squanders all the resources invested in its production.

So, plan your meals, buy what you need, and avoid impulse purchases.

Focus on what’s on your plate, not the packaging

The environmental impact of food packaging is minimal compared to the food itself. Focus on what you eat, not what it’s wrapped in.

In a nutshell, by choosing plant-based options more often, reducing waste, and supporting sustainable practices, we can help ensure a healthy planet and a delicious future for all.

Our Oceans: 5 Ways to Make a Difference

The ocean, once teeming with life, faces several threats: plastic pollution, overfishing and bleaching of coral reefs.

21 Plastic Pollution Quotes Leading To The Right Actions

Plastic production has exploded over the past few decades.

From a mere 2 million tonnes in 1950, it has ballooned to a staggering 460 million tonnes in 2019. Unfortunately, most plastic ends up in landfills or, worse, our oceans.

While recycling helps, it’s not a permanent solution.

Most plastics can only be recycled a limited number of times before ending up in landfills or the environment.

As for overfishing, one-third of the world’s fish stocks are already overexploited, pushing them towards collapse.

While fish farming might seem like a solution, it often relies on wild fish for feed, creating an unsustainable cycle.

Moreover, coral reefs, vibrant underwater cities that support a quarter of the world’s marine life, are facing a devastating threat: bleaching.

Warming ocean temperatures and pollution cause coral to expel the algae it relies on for survival, leading to starvation and death.

These vital ecosystems face a double whammy – overfishing disrupts the delicate balance, and climate change heats up their waters.

So, what can we do to protect our oceans?

Reduce reliance on plastic

Use reusable shopping bags, water bottles, and containers whenever possible.

Participate in beach cleanups

It offers a way to directly combat plastic pollution and prevent it from entering the ocean.

Support sustainable seafood

Look for certifications, e.g., Marine Stewardship Council (MSC) or Best Aquaculture Practices (BAP), indicating fish are caught using practices that minimize environmental impact.

Reduce fish consumption

Explore delicious plant-based alternatives to seafood.

Advocate for change

Support policies that promote sustainable fishing practices and protect our oceans.

The Future We Choose: Empowered by Action

The book ‘Not the End of the World’ paints a clear picture: climate change challenges are real, but solutions exist.

This breakdown offered practical steps we can take, from reducing our carbon footprint to protecting our oceans.

These actions, far more effective than traditional ‘eco-friendly’ steps, such as recycling or growing your own food, can create a ripple effect.

Imagine a future with clean air, thriving ecosystems, and a sustainable way of life. It’s within reach. Let’s make these actions the norm, not the exception.

Together, empowered by action, we can build a better future for generations to come.

Understanding Climate Change Made Easy (No Jargon!)

By Rachel

On September 1, 2023

In Eco-friendly lifestyle

Not too long ago, hardly anyone talked about climate change.

Nowadays, we hear this term a lot, maybe even more than we’d like.

But what exactly is climate change? It might not be some far-off thing – it could actually affect ALL of us regardless of where you live.

But we can’t really care about something if we don’t understand it. That’s why I’m writing this post.

I want to help you have the most basic understanding of climate change in a way that makes sense. Let’s get started!

Climate Change vs Weather

You know how the weather can change super quickly, like from sunny to rainy in no time? Well, that’s what we call weather.

But then there’s climate. It’s not about today or tomorrow – it’s like the big picture of what the weather is usually like over many years.

The experts who study climate usually look at a 30-year window to conclude the pattern of climate change.

So, while weather is like those quick snapshots of what’s happening outside, climate change is more like those long-term changes that take place over three decades.

Some of these changes have happened for decades, and some are predicted for the future.

Climate Change vs. Global Warming

Global warming describes the Earth’s temperature heating up.

This started happening, especially when people began burning coal a lot – that period between 1760 and 1840 is known as the Industrial Revolution.

But climate change doesn’t stop at just higher temperatures. It’s a bundle of various changes caused by this warming.

Imagine more raindrops falling, droughts lasting longer, and temperatures swinging between super hot in one place and freezing cold in another.

It’s like global warming started a party with one kind of music – the rising temperatures. Then climate change joined in with a mix of different tunes, bringing weather changes and uncertainties – and often, not-so-pleasant ones.

Breaking down important climate change terms

Diving into a climate change glossary can feel like trying to navigate an entire dictionary.

Yet, as everyday folks, we don’t need to understand every term – just a handful that we often hear on the news. Let’s unpack three of them:

Greenhouse gases: How Earth’s blanket works

Imagine greenhouse gases as Earth’s cosy blanket, capturing the heat that sunlight sends our way and keeping it from slipping away.

Now, think of those garden greenhouses shielded by their transparent coverings. Picture the greenhouse gas as the equivalent of that protective layer.

The thicker the layer, the toastier it gets inside – just like the Earth when greenhouse gases accumulate.

Since the beginning of the Industrial Revolution, human activities have pumped abundant carbon dioxide into the atmosphere. This surge is primarily due to burning coal and fossil fuels.

As a result, our metaphorical greenhouse gas blanket has thickened considerably.

Carbon footprint: Our impact on the planet

Carbon footprint might sound fancy, but it’s simply the mark we leave behind through daily actions – like flying, driving, energy and meat consumption etc.

It’s not just individuals; even organizations leave their own footprints via sourcing, manufacturing, and selling.

industrial area — Photo by Daryana Vasson on Pexels.com

Money often influences our carbon footprint – the more we spend, the more resources are used, and the larger the footprint.

The connection is clear: a heftier carbon footprint translates to more greenhouse gas emissions.

This, in turn, thickens the Earth’s ‘blanket’ of gases, trapping more heat in the atmosphere and inevitably leading to warmer temperatures.

Net-zero: Striving for climate balance

Based on the most current data, the average carbon footprint per person per year in the UK is approximately 11.7 tonnes.

To prevent the potential disasters of global warming, it’s absolutely crucial that we make significant reductions in our carbon footprint.

However, stopping all greenhouse gas emissions at once, whether from individuals, organizations, or entire countries, is simply not feasible.

That’s where the concept of net zero comes into play. It’s all about finding a balance.

For each unit of emissions we release into the atmosphere – especially those that humans create, like carbon dioxide – we commit to removing an equal amount. For organizations, this process is called decarbonization.

For individuals like us, the primary action is to reduce our carbon footprint, and buying carbon credits should be considered as a last resort.

When the emissions we add to the air are balanced by what we take out, we achieve a state known as net zero.

Revealing the impacts of climate change

The effects of climate change are far-reaching and can be sorted into four distinct categories:

On land: Transforming our ground

The ground we stand on isn’t just solid – it’s a mix of life’s complexity. But climate change is shaking things up.

Imagine swapping good soil for rough sand – that would make growing food and surviving much tougher.

Rainforests, vital for climate and biodiversity balance, are slowly disappearing. This could be due to tree-cutting or wildfires.

What’s more, extreme weather like floods, droughts, and wildfires act like powerful forces, reshaping the places we know.

In the oceans: Unpredictable waters

The vast oceans, working as a colossal carbon vault, cover nearly 70% of our planet.

However, as ocean temperatures rise, this vault’s hold on carbon dioxide weakens – think of it like a lock losing its grip.

Warm ocean water melts glaciers from Greenland and Antarctica, causing sea levels to rise. This impacts coastal areas, including London, New York, Venice, and Bangkok.

Coral reefs are fading – a process called ‘bleaching’. This is worrisome since these reefs are vital for marine life.

Furthermore, plastic pollution creates chaos. It jeopardises marine life, harming sea animals and disrupting the ocean’s food chain.

On species and plants: A decrease in biodiversity

The variety of species and plants is shrinking – fewer animals, fewer plants.

purple plants for showing biodiversity — Biodiversity: Nature’s variety of life – plants, animals, insects, and microorganisms on Earth.

Experts are concerned that around 8% of species could be on the verge of disappearing due to climate change.

When the homes of these species and plants change, they struggle to find their spot.

This also means they have to move and compete with other species or plants that are already settled. They could vanish forever if they can’t adapt to the new environment and thrive.

The decline in biodiversity and habitat loss disrupts the delicate harmony of ecosystems.

On humanity: A fragile relationship with nature

Imagine losing your home not because you chose to but because the world around you is shifting.

Climate change impacts some parts of the world far more severely, creating an unfairness known as ‘climate injustice’ or ‘climate inequalities‘.

People could end up as migrants, searching for safer places – they’re often called climate migrants. These migrants often come from lower-income countries.

Although their contribution to the carbon footprint is significantly less than developed nations like the US, UK, and Germany, they bear the brunt of climate change’s most severe consequences.

Food might become scarce as farms grapple with shifting weather patterns and erratic growing seasons. This could trigger global food shortages and increase living costs due to a decrease in supply and a surge in demand.

And let’s not overlook the most vital resource – freshwater!

Its availability could dwindle due to changing rainfall patterns and prolonged droughts. This puts all living beings, especially us, under immense strain, as life without water is impossible.

Climate change and air pollution are also closely intertwined. For instance, smog, known as widespread polluted air, can lead to lung disease and other health issues.

Last but not least, climate change also heightens the likelihood of diseases spreading from insects/animals to humans.

For example, certain regions, once free of mosquitoes, have become more suitable habitats for these disease-carrying insects due to a warmer climate.

Navigating the temperature divide: 1.5°C vs. 2°C warming

The Paris Agreement: A global call to action

Let’s rewind to 2015 when countries from all over the world joined forces through the Paris Agreement.

Their mission? To tackle the looming problem of climate change.

This significant agreement aimed to limit the global average temperature rise to well below 2°C above pre-industrial levels.

But the spotlight shines on the 1.5°C target, which is more important because even a tiny bit of extra heat can drastically worsen things.

Why 1.5°C matters

Why do we care so much about hitting that 1.5°C mark?

It’s not just about the number – it’s like a lifeline for our planet’s delicate ecosystems.

Think of it as a fork in the road between facing manageable problems and dealing with disasters that can’t be undone.

This is where the future of ecosystems, communities, and different kinds of living things hangs in the balance.

Taking on the challenge

But here’s the catch – right now, it looks like we’re headed towards going past that 1.5°C line.

Even though reaching 1.5°C won’t make everything easy, it gives us a fighting chance.

But remember, even at this level, we’ll see changes in weather, rising sea levels, and shifts in how nature works – a bit like fixing a roof while it’s still raining, tough but not impossible.

Crossing the line at 2°C

Now imagine stepping over the line to 2°C.

This is where climate change goes into high gear; some even call it a ‘deadly threshold‘.

Imagine a fire growing from smoulder to blaze. Heatwaves, droughts, and higher sea levels become way more severe, changing things in ways that can’t be undone.

So, the difference between 1.5°C and 2°C isn’t just about numbers!

It’s a huge decision that affects ecosystems, communities, and the world we know.

The Paris Agreement shows how serious we are about dealing with this issue and reminds us that every little bit of temperature matters.

Taking action against climate change

Climate change might seem like a gloomy cloud hanging above us, but the truth is, we’re not just the problem – we’re also the solution.

Throughout history, humans have shown an incredible ability to make positive changes, and facing up to climate change is no exception.

The moment is now. It’s urgent!

We need to step up and take action. But guess what? We’re not alone in this fight.

protesters carrying placards — Photo by Yelena Odintsova on Pexels.com

This is a team effort that needs everyone on board – politicians, scientists, entrepreneurs, organisations, and everyday individuals like you and me.

Yes, climate change is a challenge, but it’s also an opportunity for us to unite like never before.

You don’t have to change everything overnight. It’s about making small changes that, when added up, create a big impact.

From choosing public transportation, saving energy, and reducing waste to supporting eco-friendly products and advocating for green policies – each choice you make matters.

Your actions send a message that you care. And that message can inspire others to join the movement for change.

Let’s rise to the challenge. Let’s be the generation that brings about positive change in our world.

Sure, it won’t be a walk in the park, but nothing truly worthwhile ever is.

As we take these steps, we’re not just safeguarding our planet – we’re ensuring a brighter future for ourselves, future generations, and every living being that shares this beautiful planet with us.

So, are you in?

Let’s do this!

Save the Planet & Live Sustainably