Climate Change

Phase Out The Use of Fossil Fuels & Implement Renewable Energies.

Although the impacts of climate change are already here and growing quickly, the problem is not completely hopeless. There are solutions to help mitigate the effects of climate change. The use of fossil fuels in various sectors of life is one of the leading causes of climate change. A solution to reduce climate change is to reduce and phase out the use of fossil fuels as a primary source of energy. Renewable energy sources such as solar and wind power are being used all around the world and are sustainable into the future. According to Green Peace, “Changing our main energy sources to clean and renewable energy is the best way to stop using fossil fuels. These include technologies like solar, wind, wave, tidal and geothermal power.” Governments and world leaders must create policies that introduce and require the implementation and use of renewable energy sources.

Transition to Plant Based Diets and Reduce Animal Agriculture

Contrary to popular knowledge, animal farming is one of the major causes of climate change. Plant-based diets and lifestyles are another solution to reducing climate change. By reducing our consumption of meat and dairy products, we reduce the demand for more animal farms and animal products, therefore, reducing a significant contributor to climate change. According to the Philadephia Inquirer, “It’s well known that producing animal-based foods generates more greenhouse gas emissions than plant-based foods, which is why shifting toward a more plant-based diet is recognized as an option for curbing greenhouse gas emissions and climate change.”

Reforestation

Forests are the lungs of the planet. We must reforest and revive rainforests and tropical forests. According to OneTreePlanted, "Reforestation helps carbon sequestration by fixing atmospheric carbon dioxide in their leaves, trunks, and roots. Trees removes air pollutants by absorbing them into their leaves and bark and prevent soil erosion by growing roots that hold the soil together. Forests provides habitat for over 80% of the world’s terrestrial biodiversity as well as air conditioning by reducing ambient air temperatures by up to 8° Celsius." Reforestation is extremely important in the process of mitigating climate change because it will help reduce the greenhouse gases in the atmosphere.

Governments and World Leaders Must Take Action Now.

Our overall consumption of goods from energy to food sources is contributing to climate change. Whilst climate change is an issue that will gradually and eventually affect every living organism on the planet if it continues on the same trajectory, it will disproportionately impact marginalized groups and devastate all who are vulnerable first. Every person must play a role in reducing climate change, however, it is our governments and representatives who must listen to their constituents and take action through policies and initiatives to heal the planet.