How To Help Limit Climate Change?

 

English Task

by Fatharani Fathin (20) and Raissa Nabila Sofyaniputri (34)

XII SCIENCE 1 

 What’s climate change?

Climate change refers to long-term shifts in temperatures and weather patterns. These shifts may be natural, such as through variations in the solar cycle. But since the 1800s, human activities have been the main driver of climate change, primarily due to burning fossil fuels like coal, oil and gas. Burning fossil fuels generates greenhouse gas emissions that act like a blanket wrapped around the Earth, trapping the sun’s heat and raising temperatures.

Source: https://www.un.org/en/climatechange/what-is-climate-change

What do you think we should do to help limit climate change?

1. Eat less meat and dairy

Avoiding meat and dairy products is one of the biggest ways to reduce your environmental impact on the planet. Studies suggest that a high-fibre, plant-based diet is also better for your health - so it can be a win-win.Eat fewer or smaller portions of meat, especially red meat, which has the largest environmental impact, and reduce dairy products or switch them for non-dairy alternatives .

2. Cut back on flying

If you need to fly for work, consider using video-conferencing instead. For trips in the same country or continent, take the train or explore options using an electric car.When flying is unavoidable, pay a little extra for carbon offsetting.For leisure trips, choose nearby destinations, and fly economy – on average, a passenger in business class has a carbon footprint three times higher than someone in economy.

3.Reduce your energy use, and bills

Small changes to your behaviour at home will help you use less energy, cutting your carbon footprint and your energy bills: Put on an extra layer and turn down the heating a degree or two,Turn off lights and appliances when you don’t need them, Replace light bulbs with LEDs or other low-energy lights. Make simple changes to how you use hot water, like buying a water-efficient shower head.

4. Respect and protect green spaces

Create your own green space. Add pot plants to your window sill or balcony, and if you have your own outdoor space, don't replace the grass with paving or artificial turf.

5. Leave the car at home

Instead of getting in the car, walk or cycle – and enjoy the physical and mental health benefits, and the money saved. For longer journeys, use public transport, or try car sharing schemes.

6. Cut consumption – and waste

Try to minimise waste

a. Repair and reuse. Give unwanted items a new life by donating them to charity or selling them on.

b. Avoid wasting food. Let brands know if you think they are using too much packaging – some will take customer feedback seriously