WHAT YOU CAN DO.
What does impactful action to address climate change look like?
Tweet courtesy Katharine Hayhoe, Ph.D., atmospheric scientist and climate communications expert; director of the Climate Science Center at Texas Tech University. http://katharinehayhoe.com/wp2016/
Change to efficient light-bulbs and appliances, use water carefully, eat less meat, use less plastic, for sure — and also:
Talk about climate change with friends and family. “More than half of those who are interested in global warming or think the issue is important “rarely” or “never” talk about it with family and friends (57% and 54% respectively).”[1]
Ask your favorite news outlet to devote more coverage to climate change.
Know your own emissions profile.
Elect people who have a plan to address climate change, and hold them to it.
Know what the reliable news sources are.
Invest thoughtfully, and encourage your organizations to do so as well. Do you have a 401k? Do you belong to an organization that has a fund, an endowment? Then you can ask your manager about investing in climate solutions and away from heavy emissions producers.
Make clean energy your default. Request clean-energy choices from your elecrtic utility.
Social media can be powerful. Share useful information there and among your offline networks—in your community, affinity groups, clubs and associations, etc.
Take consumer action: find out which brands are serious about reducing emissions and other waste, and buy from them. Be alert to “green-washing.”
Find an organization that speaks your language, and support them. Have a look around Ceres, Environmental Defense Fund (and its Moms Clean Air Force), the Nature Conservancy, Sierra Club, Sunrise Movement, Years of Living Dangerously will get you started. Maybe your own alma mater is involved in a bold climate action plan, e.g. Boston University, Middlebury College, (moreTK). Plug in to your local mayor who’s all over this.