Climate change and global warming are two of the most pressing issues of the 21st century, with their impacts felt in virtually every corner of the world. Excess greenhouse gas emissions resulting from human activities such as burning fossil fuels, deforestation, and industrial agriculture have resulted in a rapid and distinct rise in average global temperatures over the past century, with potentially devastating consequences for humanity and the planet at large.
Fortunately, there are a number of steps we can take collectively to slow down the human-induced portion of global warming and help mitigate its worst effects. Here’s a look at how we can help lower global warming through individual, company and community efforts.
Reduce Carbon Pollution
Curbing emissions of greenhouse gases through individual actions such as reducing consumption of fossil fuels, automobile exhaust and industrial smog, switching to renewable energy sources, and becoming more efficient with energy use is a key strategy for reducing global warming. Even a small reduction in emissions can create big change over time as these adjustments compound and ultimately help to reduce the levels of heat-trapping gases in the atmosphere.
Adopt Sustainable Agriculture
Industrial agriculture is one of the most significant contributors to global warming. Farming practices such as deforestation, monoculture and over-fertilization can result in excess carbon dioxide and other greenhouse gases being released into the atmosphere, resulting in warming temperatures.
Embracing sustainable agricultural practices like crop rotation and the use of cover crops can help mitigate these impacts by ensuring that complex ecosystems remain intact and that soils can better capture carbon dioxide and other emissions from the atmosphere.
Increase Transit and Carpooling
Transporting materials, products and people from one location to another is one of the main sources of global warming, as burning fossil fuels to power vehicles and ships releases excess heat and carbon into the atmosphere.
Committing to minimizing single-passenger car trips as much as possible can significantly help with this effort, as can promoting and investing in alternate forms of mass transit. Carpooling and commuting with electric or hybrid vehicles can also help to reduce emissions and help decrease the rate of global warming on a larger scale.
Support Renewable Energy and Clean Technology
Investing in and developing renewable energy sources such as wind, solar and geothermal power, as well as investing in clean technologies such as electric vehicles, sustainable building materials and energy-efficient appliances, are also key strategies for reducing global warming.
These strategies help to reduce the emissions of greenhouse gases into the atmosphere and foster a more sustainable, low-carbon economy. Governments, businesses, and individuals can all play a role in helping reduce global warming by supporting and investing in these clean alternatives.
Take Political Action
On a global scale, advocating for and supporting international agreements, policies and legislation that promote the reduction of greenhouse gases and other forms of climate change is another key way of helping to reduce global warming.
This can include supporting the Paris Agreement, advocating for stronger commitments to reduce emissions, and taking political action by voting and contributing to movements and campaigns that call for more accountable climate change policy.
Though global warming is a large and complex issue, it is possible to take action on an individual, company and state level to help reduce the rate of climate change and its impacts. By committing to reducing carbon pollution, investing in clean technology, supporting renewable energy and taking political action, it is possible to help make a difference in the fight against global warming.
