The dangerous problem that scientists are warning about is the risk of living in unprecedented heat zones, where the average annual temperature is higher than 84.2 degrees Fahrenheit. This could affect more than 2 billion people by the end of the century if the world does not take action to limit global warming¹². The most affected areas will be countries around the equator, such as India, Nigeria, Indonesia, the Philippines, and Pakistan. This could have severe consequences for human health, food security, water availability, and social stability.
This problem is caused by the increase in greenhouse gas emissions from human activities, such as burning fossil fuels, deforestation, and agriculture. These gases trap heat in the atmosphere and cause the Earth to warm up. The Paris Agreement is an international treaty that aims to limit the global temperature rise to well below 2.7 degrees Fahrenheit above preindustrial levels. However, the current policies and pledges are not enough to achieve this goal, and the world is on track to reach about 4.8 degrees Fahrenheit above preindustrial levels by 2100.
The solution to this problem is to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and adopt more sustainable and resilient practices This requires global cooperation and collective action from governments, businesses, civil society, and individuals. Some of the actions that can help are: switching to renewable energy sources, improving energy efficiency, restoring natural ecosystems, promoting low-carbon agriculture, adapting to changing climate conditions, and raising awareness and education
There are many ways you can reduce your carbon footprint, which is the amount of greenhouse gases you produce as you live your life. Here are some of the easiest and most effective steps you can take, based on what I found from searching the web for your query:
Eat low on the food chain.
This means eating mostly fruits, veggies, grains, and beans. Livestock—meat and dairy—is responsible for 14.5 percent of manmade global greenhouse gas emissions. Every day that you forgo meat and dairy, you can reduce your carbon footprint by 8 pounds—that’s 2,920 pounds a year.
Choose organic and local foods that are in season. Transporting food from far away uses fossil fuels for fuel and for cooling to keep foods in transit from spoiling.
Buy foodstuffs in bulk when possible using your reusable container. This reduces packaging waste and saves energy.
Reduce your food waste by planning meals ahead of time, freezing the excess, and reusing leftovers. Compost your food waste if possible. This prevents methane emissions from landfills and enriches the soil.
Don’t buy fast fashion. Trendy, cheap items that go out of style quickly get dumped in landfills where they produce methane as they decompose¹. Currently, the average American discards about 80 pounds of clothing each year, 85 percent of which ends up in landfills. Buy less clothing and choose durable, high-quality items that will last longer.
Wash your clothing in cold water. The enzymes in cold water detergent are designed to clean better in cold water. Doing two loads of laundry weekly in cold water instead of hot or warm water can save up to 500 pounds of carbon dioxide each year.
Ditch your grass. Lawns require a lot of water, fertilizer, and mowing, which all contribute to greenhouse gas emissions. Instead, plant native plants, trees, and shrubs that provide habitat for wildlife and help sequester carbon.
Save coral reefs by packing smartly for your beach vacation. Coral reefs are home to a quarter of all marine life and are threatened by ocean acidification, pollution, and bleaching caused by climate change. Avoid bringing sunscreen that contains oxybenzone or octinoxate, which are harmful to coral reefs². Choose reef-safe sunscreen or wear protective clothing instead. Also, avoid buying souvenirs made from coral or other marine life
Trade in for an electric car. Transportation is the largest source of greenhouse gas emissions in the U.S., accounting for 29 percent of the total. Electric vehicles produce zero tailpipe emissions and can be powered by renewable energy sources such as solar or wind. If you can’t afford an electric car, you can also reduce your emissions by driving less, carpooling, taking public transit, biking, or walking.
Weatherize your home. Heating and cooling account for about half of a typical home’s energy use. You can save energy and money by sealing air leaks, adding insulation, installing energy-efficient windows, and using a programmable thermostat.
Learn about the link between climate change and racial equity. Climate change disproportionately affects people of color and low-income communities, who are more likely to live in polluted areas, face higher health risks, and suffer greater losses from extreme weather events. You can help address this injustice by educating yourself and others about the causes and consequences of environmental racism, supporting organizations that work for climate justice, and advocating for policies that protect the rights and interests of marginalized groups
Consider carbon offsets. Carbon offsets are projects that reduce or remove greenhouse gas emissions from the atmosphere, such as planting trees, capturing methane from landfills, or investing in renewable energy projects. You can buy carbon offsets to compensate for the emissions you can’t avoid, such as flying or driving long distances. However, you should be careful to choose credible and verified offsets that deliver the promised benefits
Pass it on. Share what you know and do with your family, friends, neighbors, coworkers, and community. You can inspire others to take action by setting an example, having conversations, joining groups, organizing events, writing letters, signing petitions, or voting for candidates who support climate action.
