In a newly released report made by the United Nations Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change, experts warn that urgent and progressive solutions are necessary to combat the impending threat of climate change. Citing the Paris Agreement―of which the United States (second largest carbon emissions contributor) does not partake in―scientists foreshadow heavy consequences for our environment, provided that the global temperature is not maintained at 1.5 degrees Celsius below pre-industrial levels. The repercussions of rising temperatures are ominous: extreme weather phenomena (ie.heat/drought), extinction of virtually all coral reefs, and loss of food security for third-world citizens. To prevent the aforementioned effects, the world must prevent overall temperatures from rising to 2 degrees Celsius above pre-industrial times within a span of 12 years. Although a 0.5 degree Celsius difference appears minimal, its effects could be dramatic.
Following the bare minimum of climate agreements―such as the Paris Agreement and Kyoto Protocol―international governments are unwilling to commit large sacrifices to fight the threat of climate change. As stated by the Guardian, “Britain is pushing ahead with gas fracking, Norway with oil exploration in the Arctic, and the German government wants to tear down Hambach forest to dig for coal.” Even progressive countries such as China―the world’s largest carbon contributor―seem to be unable to trade economic prosperity for environmental reform. Seeing as policymakers play only a minimal role in the solution, global citizens must take the initiative to save our earth within twelve years time. Here are a few, simple ways to restore our environment!
Eat Less Beef (or at the very least, organic, grass-fed beef): Cows are the highest producers of methane (animal-wise), averaging at 34.6 kg of CO2 of release per cow. On the contrary, chickens require much less space and only release an average of 4.57 kg of CO2 per chicken, decreasing the overall release of greenhouse gases into the earth’s atmosphere. Next time you go out to dinner, consider a chicken sandwich instead of a hamburger!
Turn Off the Tap When Brushing Your Teeth: An average person takes approximately two minutes to brush their teeth. Two minutes eventually add up, and 200 gallons of water can be saved up to one month.
Donate Leftovers to Food Banks: Got leftovers from last night’s dinner? No worries! Local food banks and shelters are willing to accept remaining food scraps to feed hungry mouths. Food recovery programs such as Harvest City place a heavy emphasis on food security for homeless individuals.
Use Reusable Cups and Containers: Eliminate plastic waste by bringing a reusable cup to refill your water. Starbucks is an avid supporter of sustainability, and staffers will be more than happy to fill up a glass/plastic hardware cup with your choice of coffee.
