2024 will officially be the hottest year on record. As glaciers lose ice and sea levels rise, the oceans are heating faster than ever before. And last year, extreme weather events and wildfires devastated communities and economies around the world.
As we enter the new year, we cannot afford to lose heart in the fight against climate change. While it will take massive government action to truly bring about change, there are also many individual actions that can help.
Here’s some advice from climate experts on how to stay involved in the fight against climate change.
Participate in green networking
Radhika IyengarAn associate researcher at the Columbia Climate School’s Center for Sustainable Development, he believes more grassroots efforts are needed. “We meet people old-fashioned at cafes, local businesses, and nonprofits, taking time to get to know them and come up with a joint plan for sustainable living,” she says. “Volunteer on environmental committees and attend meetings to understand what kind of difference we can make in our community. Volunteering with your school’s parent organization can help Help promote sustainability, such as avoiding the use of plastic in the cafeteria or starting a composting pilot, which helps the school go green.”
Katherine Hayhoesays a Canadian atmospheric scientist who has been called “probably the best communicator on climate change.” on her personal website The most important thing you can do about climate change is talk about it. Start a conversation about climate change solutions and how individuals can make a difference. She encourages people to join climate change groups to amplify their impact. She also encourages people to encourage local news outlets to report on the climate.
Let’s think about food
Cynthia Rosenzweigadjunct senior fellow at the Climate School’s Center for Climate System Research, says to focus on what you can achieve by being aware of the impact of what you eat. “Support your local food system and farmers,” she says. “By shopping local and only buying the amount you know you’ll eat, you can minimize the amount of energy it takes to get your food to you. Local food, which uses less energy, is healthier. “It helps support both a healthy planet and healthy people,” she says. “Talk to your neighbors about climate and diet. This will not only help build community with those around you, but will also help spread climate solutions and amplify their impact.” is also helpful.”
Working toward clean energy in the region
michael gerrardDirector of the Sabin Center for Climate Change Law at Columbia University and professor of practice at the Columbia Climate School, he urges the public to actively support wind and solar energy projects proposed in the region. Some anti-renewable energy laws are enacted at the local level, and it’s much easier to influence town boards than state legislatures. “At the local level, project opponents tend to come and be more vocal than project supporters,” he says. –If the town board only saw one side of the story, they would probably agree with that side. We need people on the other side. We need people to support these projects and make their voices heard. ” Mr Gerrard also advised people to encourage their local officials to enact anti-climate change legislation or consider standing as a candidate themselves.
Bill McKibbenThe author and climate change activist focuses on local activism. members of third actHis organization for people age 60 and older, they are helping to control meetings of the lesser-known state agencies and commissions that hold power over the energy transition, such as determining utility rates and adding renewable energy to the grid. Attendance at meetings to decide whether to add or not is encouraged.
speak your mind
bill nye Science communicator and author (the Science Guy) says the key is to take action. “I encourage everyone in the United States to petition their congressmen, their state representatives, their representatives, their senators. Write them letters and emails,” he says. “There are two main themes that we need to emphasize to the members of parliament who represent us. First, the Earth’s climate is changing because of us. Second, the United States must lead the world in producing more electricity from renewable energy. However, if we take action to reduce carbon emissions, the world will follow, for better or for worse. The country’s culture, entrepreneurial spirit, tradition of rule of law, and work for the common good make the United States a logical leader on all global issues, especially climate change, another emerging superpower. It is not in anyone’s best interest to wait to take any action.”
michael manThe climate scientist and geophysicist says: Please speak up and speak out. ”
