5 ways to protect the world from climate change

The main scientific reports on the climate crisis, which our planet is going through, point to an unfavorable scenario for the next few decades, if humanity does not face this problem directly – although there is still hope for this scenario to be reversed. As in any time of crisis, this is the time to work hard and focus on solutions that can still protect the world from climate change.

Fortunately, the scientific knowledge of the past decades has revolutionized our understanding not only of the complex system that makes up the Earth’s surface, but also of human activities that affect the planet and how they can become allies in overcoming the climate crisis. From riding a bike to buying organic, there are plenty of simple ways to save the planet – but for that, everyone must do their part.

In this article, we have listed five ways you can become an agent of change:

Consume organic food

Healthy eating is not only synonymous with health and a better quality of life, but also with the preservation of the planet. According to data from the National Clean Technology Conference and Exhibition (NCTCE), current global food production is responsible for about 25% of greenhouse gas emissions released into the atmosphere. Furthermore, 70% of the planet’s fresh water sources are dedicated to agriculture, which causes 60% of forests to be deforested.

When a healthy eating posture is adopted, a long-term shift in crop production and processing begins, which today depends, for the most part, on unsustainable dynamics such as wasted water. However, large-scale agriculture uses a series of pesticides that not only pollute soils and water streams, but also affect biodiversity and population health.

Family farming, undertaken by small rural landowners, aims to conserve natural resources, with minimal impact on the soil. Therefore, the consumption of organic foods from these producers is to support sustainable measures and encourage this conscious attitude.

plant trees

According to the report of the United Nations Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC), published in 2018, to limit global warming to 1.5°C by the middle of this decade, it is necessary to plant one billion hectares of trees. On average, a young tree can absorb up to 5 kg of carbon dioxide (CO2) – one of the main factors of global warming – per year.

At around the age of 10, these trees begin to sequester more carbon from the atmosphere, while storing this element in them. It is estimated that in its most effective phase, the tree can remove up to 21 kg of carbon dioxide per year. It may sound cliched, but tree planting is one of the simplest and most accessible measures, as well as very effective in combating climate change.

In addition to performing the primary role of sequestering carbon in the atmosphere, forests have a An intimate relationship with the local climate and the water cycle. In general, they prefer cloud formation and, therefore, rain that feeds existing ecosystems.

Use less plastic

Pollution of the environment from the remnants of synthetic products, such as plastic, is not just a matter of filth, but a profound negative impact on the planet’s biodiversity. According to the United Nations Environment Program (UNEP), it is estimated that 1 million plastic bottles are purchased worldwide every minute. When it comes to plastic bags, that number rises to 5 trillion.

The problem is that most plastic products are designed for single use, and then thrown away. Currently, plastic waste is found everywhere on Earth, and some scientists even suggest that it may be Anthropocene index The most recent period in history characterized by human presence. Not to mention that the substance is derived from petroleum, that is, its production itself is already harmful to the environment.

Instead of buying a new plastic bottle every time you go out, carry your own in your bag. Thus, the time of use of this substance will be prolonged and it will keep it away from nature. Also, replace plastic bags with an eco-friendly bag (“eco bag”, in free translation), which lasts longer and is more resistant. Moreover, it is necessary to get rid of the habit of consuming products that generate plastic waste.

Waste reduction

Any product purchased has, at some level, impacted the environment. Whether using energy from “dirty” sources, such as thermal power plants, or even water used during production. When it comes to plastic, why not use that empty butter pan as a “purpose rack”? It’s an innovative way to reuse a ready-to-use material with new functionality and avoid wasting it.

However, reducing waste goes beyond simply reusing these materials. It is estimated that one third of all food produced on the planet is discarded. It is necessary to keep in mind that all this food was produced from such valuable resources as water. Moreover, moving all this demand produces a large amount of polluting gases.

Try to waste as little as possible, and what cannot be reused can be used for other purposes, such as composting.

Support good initiatives.

It is not always possible to put ideals into practice. In this case, it is necessary to look for movements and organizations that are actively working to protect the environment and, accordingly, against climate change. There is no shortage of projects that even need financial support to do all their outreach work and work on this front line

Another way is to buy products from companies that have adopted sustainable practices. For example, check how your favorite clothing brand handles the leftovers of the products used to make the clothing, if it has been reused, if there is no wasted water and more. In addition, it is possible to add to the good initiatives by participating in actions and campaigns to reduce the emission of greenhouse gases or in favor of preserving forests.

There is no shortage of good ideas and effective practices to protect the planet from climate change. For this, it is necessary to change part of the “polluted” habits. It may seem difficult at first, but in the end it’s also a matter of practice – everyone wins.

Source: EcoWatchAnd NCTCEAnd United Nations Environment Program