At the risk of understatement, it’s a truly unique moment in time. But let’s not forget about the long game. Two years ago, scientists warned that we needed to cut carbon emissions by almost half — 45% from our 2010 levels — by 2030 in order to thwart catastrophic global consequences. (Think: extreme drought, out-of-control wildfires, harrowing floods, and rampant food shortages.)
As one scientist put it, “The best time to start [reducing emissions] was 25 years ago. The second best time is today.”
Here are 10 things we need to change to make a real difference by 2030.
Spread the word
Surprising, but true: It only takes 3.5% of the population to bring about change. So, be part of the 3.5%. The more you evangelize the steps needed to curtail climate change, the likelier it is that those steps are going to happen.
Embrace the 5 Rs
We need to go beyond reuse, reduce, recycle — and embrace two more Rs: repair and refuse. To conserve resources and reduce waste, repair the goods you already own, and refuse to buy goods you really don’t need. It’s the mantra for the 21st century.
Drive less
Cars and trucks are responsible for 1/5th of all emissions in the US. It’s time to transform transportation. Drive less. Carpool. Use public transportation. Advocate for working from home. If you must drive, try cleaner fuels or zero-emissions electric vehicles.
Fly less
Aviation’s carbon footprint is enormous. As one scientist explained, “Euro for euro, hour for hour, flying is the quickest and cheapest way to warm the planet.”
Eat lower on the food chain
You don’t have to be vegan, but you may want to rethink your diet — if not for your health, then for the planet. As one scientist explained, “We don’t want to tell people what to eat. But it would indeed be beneficial, for both climate and human health, if people in many rich countries consumed less meat, and if politics would create appropriate incentives to that effect.”
Shop local
Buying local doesn’t just mean shorter supply chains or less fuel, or even fresher produce, if you’re buying food. Supporting local businesses is a profoundly effective and efficient way to power your local economy.
Go clean
Switching to clean energy is imperative. Solar. Wind. Hydropower. Biofuels. There are so many options when it comes to harnessing alternative energy from renewable resources.
Break free from plastic
Plastic pollution is on track to double by 2030, unless we do something about it. It’s scattered across beaches, lakes, and oceans. Opt for reusable water bottles, containers, and bags.
Protect our land
We don’t just need to help nature, we need nature to help us. Scientists say we need to preserve an additional 30% of untouched nature on Earth’s surface by 2030 in order to maintain a healthy planet. Those large swaths of forests — tropical forests, in particular — and grasslands are what help soak up carbon emissions.
Vote green
If you’ve read this far, you’re probably on board with sweeping change. Voting in representatives at every level of government who are committed to fight climate change can help make change that will last. Do you want a Green New Deal? If we vote for it, it’s within reach.
