Climate change is more than a threat, it is her,e it is now, and you can see it all around. Climate change is an immediate, material reality from melting glaciers as we talk, to rising oceans, longer droughts, ubiquitous fires like we have never seen, and increasingly severe storms directly related to global warming. Climate change is no longer just converting the woods, oceanswildlifefe habitat, etc., it is displacing humans with food insecurity, water insecurity, health insecurity, and incredible economic insecurity. 

Nature, once a mechanism of regulating Earth’s climate, is now showing signs of an existential threat. A deforested world is a world with degraded carbon sequestering trees in fewer numbers (lost). Oceans are becoming more acidic and overheated while ceasing to act as the heat sinks they once were. Species are going extinct at an alarming rate (580 in 40 years), and the ecosystem which we are also losing stability.

The Link Between Climate Change and Nature

Nature plays a critical role in regulating Earth’s climate change. Forests absorb carbon dioxide, oceans store heat, and wetlands act as buffers against floods. But as climate change accelerates, these natural systems are under threat. Melting glaciers, dying coral reefs, and shrinking forests are just some of the visible signs of a warming planet.

Human activity, particularly burning fossil fuels, deforestation, and overconsumption—is pushing the climate to a tipping point. The result? Disrupted weather patterns, loss of biodiversity, and degraded ecosystems that are less able to protect us.

We must note that nature is the main climate regulator on Earth. Forests sequester CO2; oceans are thermal sinks; wetlands help reduce flooding. But the processes that can regulate climate are failing due to the velocity of climate change. Our planet is responding to climate change through observable evidence grounded in visuals, with melting glaciers, dead coral reefs, and disappearing forests.

As a result of human activity, and in particular, fossil fuel burning, deforestation, and unsustainable consumption are pushing natural climate-regulating processes on the planet to their tipping points. What does that mean? More offensive weather anomalies, less biodiversity, and ecosystems that can no longer provide any form of natural protection. 

For example-

• Melting glaciers and polar ice caps are resulting in growing oceans that are placing coastal ecosystems and communities at risk. 
• Coral reefs are dying ecosystems that support nearly 25% of marine life, and are endangered by warming oceans and acidification induced by excessive carbon in the atmosphere. 
• Rainforests (the “lungs of the planet”) are being razed at rates that are unnatural and impeding these areas’ ability to sequester carbon and release more greenhouse gases into the atmosphere.
  
• This creates a vicious cycle: as nature weakens, it loses its capacity to regulate the climate, leading to more extreme weather, further environmental stress, and greater risk to human societies.

5 Impactful Action To Make Difference

 Here are five impactful ways to take climate change action right now.

 1. Support Reforestation and Native Planting

Trees are an important partner in the fight against climate change. Trees sequester Greenhouse gases and reduce carbon dioxide (CO₂) in the air as they grow through photosynthesis and help to moderate global temperatures. While trees do more than absorb carbon, this brings us to the next point. 

Trees moderate temperatures (through shade and releasing water vapor from leaves) and help to create cooler, habitable urban environments, and extreme weather events. Trees are also regulated in terms of soil. They prevent soil erosion and nutrient loss and are a source of moisture in the soil. They return organic matter and leaves to the soil, and they increase the fertile capacity of the soil. Native plants and trees provide habitat for native wildlife to assist with biodiversity and build ecosystems. 

Actions You Can Take:

• Plant native trees or pollinator-attracting plants in your yard. 
• Support local tree planting initiatives, or NGOs like One Tree Planted. 
• Do not buy products causing deforestation (i.e., unsustainable palm oil or soy).

 2. Rethink How You Travel

Transportation is a huge area of climate change responsibility— about 25% of all global greenhouse gas emissions come from transportation, primarily from fossil-fuel burning in passenger aircraft, cars, and freight. While there are many potential global, regional, and local changes to transportation, even minor changes to transportation can lead to marked decreases in your carbon footprint.

In a sustainable travel context, low-carbon and no-carbon travel or transit options – walking, cycling, public transport – all help to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, generate less congestion and local air pollution, and not produce emissions or similar problems associated with urban absorption. On a larger scale, switching from air travel to train travel will reduce your carbon footprint (also reduce air pollution), as will carpooling where possible.

If you do need or want to drive, you can help reduce your carbon emissions from transport by driving a hybrid or electric vehicle; they emit significantly fewer carbon emissions than gasoline-fueled vehicles. You can also reduce fuel use by combining errands into one trip, and maintain your tires with proper tire pressure and by driving wisely.

Actions You Can Take:

• Walk, cycle, or use public transit instead of driving.
• Use carpooling and electric cars when/available.
• When/if possible – fly less (or at least carbon-offset for flights that you must take).

 3. Eat with the Planet in Mind

The food you consume will impact your health and the environment. The Agriculture and specifically Animal Agriculture industry are leading causes of deforestation, methane, and water pollution through land, feed, and animal products associated with food production. 

While we all know it is difficult to change everything overnight, if we change our eating habits to be more sustainable, for example, eating more plants, and less beef and dairy, and wow, you can most definitely have a positive impact on the environment as a whole.  Plant-based production uses significantly less land and water and produces fewer greenhouse gas emissions. 

Eating less processed food, more local foods, eating food in season to reduce food miles, and waste reduction (through composting, meal planning) are all little changes we all can make to lessen our impact on the environment and in climate change. 

Actions You Can Take:

• Eat more plants 
• Eat less beef 
• Eat local and in season fewer food miles) 
• Walk, cycle, or use public transit instead of driving.

4. Reduce Energy Use and Switch to Renewables

The energy that powers everything in the home, office, and from various devices is predominantly produced from burning fossil fuels. The burning of fossil fuels releases carbon dioxide and other greenhouse gas emissions into the atmosphere. As a result, transportation and the operation of homes are among the biggest contributors to climate change. 

You can take action to improve your energy usage – this means using less energy to get the same job done! There are some quick and simple actions you can take, like replacing incandescent bulbs with LED bulbs, unplugging appliances used infrequently, insulating your home, and purchasing energy-efficient appliances. All of these actions will help you use less and save money on your utility bills. 

Actions You Can Take:

• Turn off the lights – replace incandescent light bulbs with LED lights and energy-efficient appliances during home purchases. 
• Unplug appliances when not in use. You can do this by investing in a “smart“ power strip to monitor use. 
• Explore solar energy, an environmentally friendly energy source.

5. Embrace a Low-Waste Lifestyle

Every item you purchase has an unseen environmental cost associated with it. There is an environmental cost emanating from the extraction of natural resources, the manufacturing of the products, the transport of the products to consumers, and ultimately disposal by consumers of items. The manufacture of products causes greenhouse gas emissions, consumes natural resources, and creates waste.

If you purchase less–more than what you need, you are contributing to manufacturing, which consumes a significant amount of resources and generates greenhouse gases. When you reuse, repair, or upcycle an item instead of throwing it away, you are prolonging the life of the item and reducing waste in landfill sites.

Overall, if you consider small changes to your lifestyle, such as going to thrift stores, committing to reusable bags/containers, fixing items, or donating instead of tossing things in the garbage, you can find some amazing possible environmental benefits. If you think of it this way, you are assured to preserve resources, and you are also participating in an economy that is attempting to keep those materials in use for longer and lessening some of the pressure on the earth! 

Actions You Can Take:

• Choose reusable over single-use plastic. 
• Repair, recycle, or donate things rather than simply throwing them in the trash. 
• Purchase from sustainable brands or find eco-friendly products. 

Final Thoughts: Your Actions Matter on Climate Change

Climate change is a global issue, but is often enhanced or tackled within our own homes and habits and within our communities. By being intentional in your daily decisions, you are a part of a larger world of changemakers who are working together on behalf of the planet. Every single step you take, no matter how small, will contribute to a world that is working towards balance and support of nature, and your personal contributions in the fight against climate change globally.