For generations.

humans have been utilising multiple forms of energy, which in a way has
had a huge impact on the environment, but if we take a step back, it does not only impact
the environment but it also impacts humans, animals, and the entire ecosystem as a whole.
Hence, to offset some of the negative impacts it is necessary to start looking at cleaner,
greener, and more efficient energy sources for a more sustainable future, and different
methods we can use to implement this into our daily lives. At the end of this article I have
also added a global scenario, which represents our world in the future if we implement
sustainable actions in our daily life.

The UN has also recognized issues within climate change and has created a sustainable
development goal regarding the same, the name is climate action. The sustainable
development goals are specific goals that are to quote “ a blueprint to achieve a better and
more sustainable future for all". This shows that climate change is a growing problem in
todays world. We need to find an easy and simple way to combat this global issue.

I personally have already written an article for sustainability over 7 years ago, in my
previous school. The American School of Bombay. My article in this book was empowering
in terms of showing the school that a kid of my age (~6 years old) could actually make a
difference in their lifestyle for the better. This showed the importance of the message that
climate change doesn’t see your age. I want my story to not be an inspiration rather be
something to look at but always work towards your own path.

But, before I continue, I want to disprove a common misconception, that although

sustainability is normally categorized as using a clean energy source, it is fundamentally
based on three principles: environment, economy, and sociology. If we as a species can
achieve sustainability in these 3 fields, we can then promote harmony throughout our
ecosystem. Today, I am only going to focus on the energy-related aspects of sustainability.

Let me explain to you what steps you can take to (hopefully) live a more sustainable
lifestyle.

Waste: Waste could be segregated into multiple categories, mainly recyclable and not
recyclable. Our goal in this section is to minimise the amount of non-recyclable waste. This
is necessary because the recyclable waste could be reused for other purposes so we don't
have to worry about it now, but the non-recyclable waste has to be thrown away into
garbage bins. Some methods to reduce non-recyclable waste are to first look at food
consumption. Instead of purchasing frozen bags of various foods and vegetables, it is better
to buy them fresh and not in plastic bags. Instead of using plastic bags in a grocery store,
carry reusable bags. This will not only be more economical but also reduce your carbon
footprint. And finally, always carry a reusable water bottle and not single-use plastic bottles
as they will run dry and you will be forced to dispose of them. Using a reusable bottle also
increases water consumption.

Environment: If we just look around ourselves, there are countless opportunities to be more
sustainable. What I am trying to imply is, that we need to be more energy efficient. We can
achieve this by using more efficient utilities(The machines and appliances we use daily).
Such as using LED bulbs instead of incandescent light bulbs, LEDs are upwards of 75%
more efficient. Or using “Smart Devices”, smart devices would mean using an induction
stove over a conventional gas stove. Or using a more efficient water heater (geyser). All the
air conditioners that we use have an efficiency rating on them provided by the government.
We should always look for a green rating or 5 stars meaning the most efficient. But, the
easiest way to save energy is by looking at your power block. A common problem that we
face is energy leakage, meaning when a device is plugged into a power outlet but is
switched off it still sucks a minimal amount of electricity. Which is gone to waste. If we just
take out the plug from the outlet then we reduce this wasted energy by a large amount.

Transportation: Transportation contributes to a large percentage of global carbon emissions,

but this can be reduced by taking multiple measures. Firstly, try to take public transportation
rather than your vehicle. This reduces emissions by more than 45%, this is because using
public transport reduces the number of single-person cars on the road. Another alternative is
to simply use a bicycle or just walk. This fully omits all the possible carbon emissions from
other vehicles. Although these steps could have a higher initial cost (For example
purchasing a PTP (Public Transportation Pass) or a bicycle cost) they will be better in the
long run.

Now, we know what steps we can take to limit our carbon footprint and use various energy
resources more efficiently. Let us take a global scenario in which we implement all these
methods into our daily lives. This could be the world of 2050.

“BREAKING NEWS: Emission rates drop 15% by just cutting down the meat and dairy
consumption by 99%. An entire area the size of the North and South American continents
land was previously being used for meat production but now this land is being used in
forestry and plantations. Rice consumption has also reduced to a mere amount which further
reduced total emissions by 2% only. The entire continent of Europe has shifted from its
previous main source of energy of natural gas to a more eco-friendly source of wind and
solar energy. This has caused the pollution rates to drop drastically. The world's top oil-
producing company ARAMCO has now shifted towards geothermal energy and has opened
plants in London, New York, and Riyadh. The world is a different place than we expected it
to be, the ozone layer is almost healed; the ecosystem has started to thrive now, and finally,
we have achieved harmonial peace between all organisms.”

This is an expected news report in the year 2050, only if we follow the path of sustainability.

To conclude, I want to reiterate the fact that sustainability does take time. We have to work
together as a team, sustainability is going to require us as a nation, us as a school, and us
as a species together. To fight for a cause, a cause that is for the betterment of the present,
and the foreseeable future.