The Earth is changing, and rapidly. In the midst of a global pandemic, 2020 tied with 2016 as the warmest year ON RECORD. Ultimately, in order to reduce emissions by 45% by 2030, we will need large corporations and governments to take the lead to ensure that ongoing global development shifts from fossil fuels to renewable energy.
But while it is mainly a handful of companies that are responsible for 71% of greenhouse gas emissions, we as individuals and consumers can also fight towards and create a more sustainable future. As the lovel figure above by Ashley Lukashevsky shows, we are all in this together, and together we will rise.
Therefore, this multi-media post is an ode to small, sustainable actions. And it is important that this is at no means and exhaustive list, and everyone has their own passions and actions that they are attracted to. In the end, the greatest thing we can do is start a conversation on sustainability, as this is the best way to discover new and exciting ways we can transform our society.
First, here is a fun little song I wrote with the intention spreading the idea of sustainability in a way that is hopefully catchy and creative.
Probably one of the biggest ways to increase your impact in the fight against climate change is to speak up. Have conversations about climate change, and try to diversify your social circle to learn from those with different views on the climate crisis. You can also reach out to your local NGOs, send letters/emails to your elected officials, and question practices in your workplace.
Vote!
I also find this nice resource which has several options to reduce your carbon footprint depending on the time, money, and effort you’re willing to spend.
In addition, indigenous people are arguably the leaders in protecting and conserving natural environments which are essential to absorb and retain carbon. Thus, you can support indigenous efforts, such as donating movements like LANDBACK.
Then there is the TED talk which I found really interesting, and pointed out many ‘Sustainability Myths’ that I was previously ignorant of.
I was also recently ignorant of the CO2 emissions of the internet, until I stumbled upon this lovely infographic. You can also switch your browser from Google to Ecosia.
There are also many monetary ways to achieve a lower carbon footprint. One of my favorite new ways is with micro-funding. Find out how you can give micro-loans to green initiatives with Kiva.
But maybe these actions seem like they will take too much time and energy to implement. No need to fret, the UN has some actions even the laziest of us can do to become more sustainable: find them here.
Lastly, I would like to end with a quote by Anne Marie Bonneau said, “We don’t need a handful of people doing zero waste perfectly. We need millions of people doing it imperfectly”.
Thanks for reading!