What can you do about climate change?

The climate changes which took place during the last 650’000 years are attributed to small variations in the Earth’s orbit.

The current global warming trend is however with more than 95% of probability to attribute to human activities. The evidence of the consequences is impossible to hide: increasing sea levels, increasing global temperature, declining of Arctic sea ice, glacial retreat, decreased snow cover and an increased number of extreme events, such as intense rainfalls or record high temperatures.

That information comes up regularly on the news or on the newspaper, everyone knows about this problem. However, we all think that as individuals we cannot significantly contribute for a positive change; right? This statement cannot be more wrong! If everyone in the society tries to reduce his carbon footprint, there will be a great positive impact on the big picture of climate change.

Here you can find a list of five small and simple actions to behave more sustainably:

• Buy local and seasonal food, the production and transport of the strawberries you eat in November will not positively influence the climate change

• Do you really need that 30min hot shower every day?

• Try to reduce the amount of waste you generate. Why are you still using PET bottles when you can easily refill a reusable bottle? Why are you drinking your coffee in a disposable cup if you have the possibility to use a ceramic mug?

• Second hand products are fashionable, cheap and save a lot of raw materials and energy. Buy them!

• Do not use a clothes dryer. Your clothes will last much longer and you will not consume useless energy

I know, you already heard about them countless times… so why haven’t you changed your behavior yet?

Sources:

Nasa – Earth Science Communications Team, Climate change: How do we know?, retrieved 20.04.2017 from https://climate.nasa.gov/evidence/

McMahon Jeff, 9 things you can do about climate change, retrieved 20.04.2017 from https://www.forbes.com/sites/jeffmcmahon/2017/01/23/nine-things-you-can-do-about-climate-change/#57396046680c

Muir Glacier, Alaska: https://www.demilked.com/magazine/wp-content/uploads/2015/10/global-warming-climate-change-photographic-proof-united-states-geological-survey-126.jpg

Polar bear: http://foiadvocates.net/wp-content/uploads/polar_square.jpg