Personal Actions to Reduce Climate Change

Global warming surpassed the 1.5 deg C (2.7 deg F) level in 2024. This increase is measured over the last 100 years and caused primarily by humans burning fossil fuels. 1.5 degrees Celsius was the limit set by the United States and 194 other nations in Paris, 2015. We promised ourselves to reduce carbon emissions enough to stay below 1.5 C. We have failed that goal, but the world can still make changes. The policy and personal lifestyle choices need to be strengthened so this trend can be halted and reversed. What was global warming when you were born? It was about 0.5 degrees if you were born in 1960. What will it be for your grandchildren? That is up to every one of us.

It is frightening and daunting to imagine how I, as a single person could make a difference in this trend that has been happening for over 100 years, before even any of our great grandparents were born. Each one of us can reduce our own carbon emissions, thereby taking that proverbial first step on the journey. The good news is that the journey has already started, and we actually know the steps we need to take.

Here are some ideas for personal actions you can take, ranging from simple to more complex. Many actions require a financial investment, which is a luxury some may not be able to undertake. However, more good news on these actions is that it will save money in the long run, not to mention the planet.

  • Anything electrical needs to have electricity produced. Sixty percent of the electricity produced in the US now is by burning fossil fuels, which creates carbon dioxide emissions and increases global warming. Anything you do to reduce your electric use is an action to reduce climate change. Some simple actions:
  • Turn off lights;
  • Turn down the thermostat in the winter and turn it up in the summer;
  • Use zone heating and cooling in your house if possible;
  • Buy and install LED lights;
  • Whenever you replace an appliance, water heater or furnace make sure it is a more energy efficient model;
  • Install behind the meter solar panels to generate your own electricity;
  • When you replace your car buy a car that gets better gas mileage, buy a hybrid or an electric vehicle;
  • Reduce your car trips;
  • Share rides;
  • Walk or use a bicycle;
  • Use mass transportation if available;
  • Support changes in your workplace, church and community organizations;
  • Support policies and elect governmental officials that will support the changes needed to address climate change;
  • Talk to your elected representatives about critical importance of climate change and the need to act now;
  • Study, discuss and pray for the planet.
There is a groundswell of common people who are rising up to act for our Common Home. Together, we can save the planet for our grandchildren.

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