More than a decade after the Paris Agreement was signed, the world continues to pump out greenhouse gasses at a record pace.
These releases – which mostly come from the burning of fossil fuels – are superheating the planet and changing the earth’s climate in often disastrous ways.
But experts say humanity still has time to rein in greenhouse gas emissions and avoid the worst of climate change.
“Governments and businesses, because of their size and influence, must bear most of the burden for reducing greenhouse gas emissions,” says United Nations Environment Programme (Unep) climate change mitigation chief Hongpeng Lei.
“But you and I also have an important role to play.
Every fraction of a degree of warming we can avoid will make the planet a healthier, more liveable place.”
Experts say it is especially important for the world’s wealthiest to get serious about their carbon footprint. Just 10% of the planet’s population is responsible for nearly half of emissions.
If you want to live a more climate-friendly life, here are a few things you can do:
- Consider walking, cycling or using public transport
Transport is one of the biggest sources of personal greenhouse gas emissions, a large chunk of which come from driving.
So, for short trips, experts recommend walking or cycling.
Along with reducing emissions, those options will cut pollution, ease congestion and improve your health. For longer journeys, try public transport or carpooling.
Going car-free can save up to two tonnes of carbon dioxide emissions per year.
- Be conscious about your energy use
Using less electricity, which still predominantly comes from the burning of fossil fuels, is one of the quickest, cheapest ways to cut emissions.
Our electronic devices can be power-hungry, so experts recommend limiting unnecessary data use and choosing efficient tech, when possible.
Since the production of things like phones and computers is an energy-intensive process, consider keeping your devices longer and repairing them when they break, instead of tossing them away.
- Make your home more efficient
Heating and cooling systems, like furnaces and air conditioners, are consumers of energy.
Consider adjusting your thermostat slightly – either up or down – to minimise how much you use them.
If hot temperatures are a problem, invest in passive cooling. Things like reflective roofs, cross-ventilation, and natural shading can lower indoor temperatures by up to 8°C.
- Tweak your diet
Food choices matter in the campaign against climate change.
Animal-based fare, especially red meat, dairy and farmed shrimp, is associated with the highest greenhouse gas emissions.
Meanwhile, plant-based foods, such as fruits, vegetables, whole grains, beans, peas, nuts and lentils, are generally easier on the climate. They also use less land and water.
- Do not waste food
Households across the world waste more than one billion meals every day.
Throwing away food means squandering the energy, land and fertiliser that went into producing it.
“Planning meals, buying only what you need, storing food properly and using leftovers can all help reduce waste,” says Lei.
If you do need to dispose of food, consider composting your leftovers. This can significantly reduce the amount of methane and carbon dioxide – two common greenhouse gases – released by organic waste.
- Protect the forests around you
Forests are vital in the battle against climate change. They store massive amounts of planet-warming carbon, which, if released into the atmosphere, could supercharge the climate crisis.
You can safeguard these crucial ecosystems by choosing sustainable wood and paper products.
- Buy fewer things, use them for longer
Everything we buy comes with a carbon price tag.
For example, it takes energy – often derived from fossil fuels – to extract raw materials, manufacture a product and ship it around the world.
One of the most effective ways to cut emissions is simply to consume less.
Repair what you can, reuse what you have and recycle when possible.
This is most important in higher-income countries, where consumption is conspicuous.
For example, the average person in North America emits about 20 tonnes of carbon per year, compared to 1.6 tonnes for someone in sub‑Saharan Africa.
- Use your voice – and your wallet
By speaking up, supporting climate-friendly policies and making conscious choices as consumers, individuals can drive wider change.
Consumers have influence through the products they buy, the companies they support and the leaders they vote for.
“While individuals alone cannot solve the climate crisis, personal choices can help cut emissions, influence markets and build support for wider action,” says Lei.
“Our actions can help shift norms and systems over time. But it takes everyone pulling on the same rope.”
– United Nations Environment Programme
