Alternative of Actions

“When the well is dry, we know the worth of water.” –Benjamin Franklin. Climate change
is more than just the rise or fall of global temperatures. It affects every sector of our
environment and needs to be addressed promptly to preserve our ecosystem for the
next generation. It is undeniable that we are in the midst of an environmental crisis, for
witnessing how stern and harrowing mother nature is when she hits is like an everyday
scenario. Cutting trees, the smoke from factories, cars and all, and the mountain of
plastics; are just the tip of an iceberg of how we treat our nature. To show our gratitude
we should implement actions that can drastically lessen the effect of global warming,
foster our local communities, and ensure a sustainable planet for all. As an individual,
we must take our responsibility as prime consumers of the nature to give back.

 Shift to renewable energy sources in all key sectors

One key element of this plan is shifting to renewable energy sources, both at
home and at work. “We have the necessary technology to make this reduction by
shifting to renewable energy and using less energy,” the UNEP writes of our energy
consumption (generally, fossil fuels to power our homes, keep the lights on, and our
rooms warm, and Netflix streaming). But the energy usage of the industrial sector also
plays a key role: Addressing issues like methane leaks and switching at large scale to
passive or renewable energy-based heating and cooling systems could reduce
industrial carbon emissions by 7.3 gigatonnes every year. (UNEP, 2020).

 Reduce food loss and waste and shift to more sustainable diets

In 2021, the Food and Agriculture Organization estimated we consumed more meat
than ever before. By 2050 this will, by some estimates, increase greenhouse gas
emissions from food production by 60%. Likewise, many farmers use nitrous-based
fertilizers to grow more crops, more quickly to meet demand. It’s important to reduce
food waste at every step of the food system. For us as consumers, we can commit to
eating what we buy and composting what we don’t get to in time. We can also switch
our focus to plant-based and other sustainable diets, supporting farms that use organic
fertilizers and making beef and other meat products the exception rather than the rule at
the dinner table. (Concern Worldwide U.S., Inc, 2023).
  Embrace electric vehicles, public transport, and other non-motorized options for
getting around

The carbon savings on junking your current car in favor of an electric model are
nullified if you aren’t seriously in the market for a new vehicle. However, mass adoption
of electric vehicles and public transport — along with walking, biking, skating, and
scooting — is key to cutting greenhouse gas emissions from fuel-based motor vehicles.
(Concern Worldwide U.S., Inc, 2023).

 Subsidize low-carbon alternatives for urban planning

In tandem with low-carbon alternatives for public transportation, governments

need to commit to similar measures with our growing cities. New buildings mean a new
opportunity to reward green design methods that help to decrease the strain on urban
resources, whether they’re apartments or entertainment venues. (Concern Worldwide
U.S., Inc, 2023).

 Address poverty and other inequalities that increase vulnerability

The term MAPA can also apply to individuals within a community. Women,
disabled people, children, the elderly, people living in poverty, indigenous peoples, and
LGBTQIA+ people are among those who are most likely to be hit harder by climate
change because of preexisting societal marginalization. This is why it’s critical that they
also have a seat at the decision-making table when it comes to solutions to climate
change within their communities. Ending poverty and the other systemic inequalities
that give some people greater access to resources than others will help to offset some
of the greatest threats posed by the climate crisis. (Concern Worldwide U.S., Inc, 2023).

 Invest in disaster risk reduction (DRR)

Disaster Risk Reduction otherwise known as DRR, protects the lives and
livelihoods of communities and individuals who are most vulnerable to disasters or
emergencies. Whether the crisis is caused by nature or humans (or a combination of
both), DRR limits its negative impact on those who stand to lose the most.

We can’t undo much of climate change’s impact so far, but we can help the
communities who are hit hardest by these impacts to prepare for and respond to these
emergencies once they strike. https://concernusa.org/news/what-is-disaster-risk-
reduction/