10 THINGS YOU CAN DO ABOUT CLIMATE CHANGE & ENVIRONMENTAL MIGRATION
The root cause of environmental migration is obviously climate change. Of course, advocating for legal protections of environmental migrants is important –– but it is more important to find a preventative solution that attempts to stop environmental migration from occurring in the first place. according to a 2017 “Carbon Majors” report by the Climate Accountability Institute, 70 percent of the world’s greenhouse gas emissions can be traced back to just 100 companies. So, it may be difficult to feel as though you can make a difference on an individual level –– but that is not true! Industries rely on profit from consumers, so your individual consumption choices DO make an impact! Here are 10 other ways you can make a difference.
TELL YOUR STORY, LISTEN TO OTHERS
A large portion of our solution involves engaging in dialogue. In our opinion, dialogue is the catalyst to any form of effective change. We encourage you to tell your stories — about changes you’ve seen where you live, how climate change has affected you, and the changes you’re making to lessen your impact. We also encourage you to listen to others' experiences –– this may be the stories of people in your own community, or it may be the stories from people across the world or in communities largely affected by climate change. Of course, it is difficult –– or nearly impossible –– to speak to individuals from rural communities in the Global South, but there are resources online to find out about the situations of these people. There are documentaries, studies, articles, news, and more. These people are a part of the global community –– their needs should not go unheard, their ideas should not be excluded, and their voices should not be silenced.
CHOOSE RENEWABLE ENERGY SOURCES
The global push for cleaner, healthier energy has led to costs for renewable energy dropping every day. Renewable energy has become increasingly accessible to individual consumers –– whether it's by investing in rooftop solar panels, wind turbines, or solar water heating –– there are ways to bring renewable energy to your own home. However, although prices are decreasing, some forms of renewable energy still remain costly. If you cannot afford these systems, there are still ways you can increase the usage of renewable energy –– start by sending a message to your government officials to invest more in renewables and the clean-tech industry! Or, get involved in renewable energy projects in your community.
GREEN YOUR COMMUTE
According to the Inventory of U.S. Greenhouse Gas Emissions, transportation accounts for 28% of gas emissions, the largest portion of climate-polluting emissions in the U.S. There are many ways you can reduce transportation emissions, including:
Taking public transit.
Riding a bike or walking more.
Car-sharing.
Switching to an electric or hybrid vehicle.
DIVEST FROM FOSSIL FUELS
Most industries, especially the fossil fuel industry are obliged by conventional capitalist theory to maximize short-term profits for their shareholders, meaning that they care more about short-term profit rather than long-term consequences. So how can we expect them to change their ways? One way is to hold these companies accountable and encourage them to make sustainable changes through divestment. You can start by making sure any investments you and your university, workplace or pension fund make do not include fossil fuels. Meet with your bank or investment adviser and/or join a divestment campaign at your university.
SAVE MONEY BY BECOMING CONSCIOUS OF YOUR ENERGY USAGE
There are many simple ways in which you can become more energy efficient! Some small steps include:
Switch to energy-efficient light-bulbs.
Unplug computers, TVs, and other electronics when you're not using them.
Wash clothes in cold or warm water –– avoid using hot water!
When possible, hang dry your clothes! Use dryer balls when you can't.
Look for the Energy Star label when buying new appliances.
Don't leave the hot water running when shaving or brushing your teeth.
Limit your shower times, and try taking colder showers –– they'll help to wake you up!
EAT SUSTAINABLE FOODS
According to the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) agriculture is responsible for 18% of the total release of greenhouse gases world-wide (this is more than the whole transportation sector). Methane from cows is a large contributor to these emissions. That being said, altering your diet a little bit can make a positive impact on the climate. Here's how:
Eat less meat –– especially beef!
Buy organic or local whenever possible.
Don't waste food.
Grow your own.
INVEST IN RENEWABLES
"Even if you can’t install solar panels or a wind turbine, you can still be a part of the clean-energy economy. Search online for local renewable energy co-ops to join. By becoming a co-op member you will own a slice of its renewable energy projects and can get a return on your investment."
"You can also speak to your financial adviser about clean energy/technology investments."
(davidsuzuki.org)
HELP PUT A PRICE ON POLLUTION
"Putting a price on carbon is one of the most important pillars of any strong climate policy. Carbon pricing sounds boring, but it helps makes polluting activities more expensive and green solutions relatively more affordable, allowing your energy-efficient business and/or household to save money! Most market economists agree that pricing carbon is an efficient and business-friendly way to reduce emissions. The federal government is working with the provinces and territories to put a national price on carbon, but they need your support." (davidsuzuki.org)
"A tax on carbon, which even Exxon Mobil has argued for, is an important step in making sure we pay the cost of climate change through our use of fossil fuels." (Richard Heede, co-founder and co-director of the Climate Accountability Institute)
VOTE
"All levels of government, from municipal to federal, can have a big effect on our ability to lower emissions, prepare and adapt to climate change and shift to a clean-energy economy."
The current president of the U.S. has opted to pull out of the Paris Climate Agreement, a landmark environmental accord that was adopted by nearly every nation in 2015 to address climate change and its negative impacts. This is a significant step-back in the push for saving the environment.
"Make sure you are registered to vote and then get informed for all elections — not just the federal ones that get most of the media attention. Research the party, ask questions about climate change at town halls or debates and let your candidates know you are voting for the climate. Candidates often hold a wide range of positions on climate change, so your vote really matters."
(davidsuzuki.org)
REDUCE, REUSE, RECYCLE
You've likely heard this saying before, and for good reason; using these three methods can make a huge difference in the amount of material waste your household produces.
To reduce, you don't have to cut anything out -- just use less of it. Less paper towels when cleaning up a spill, less paper plates instead of reusable plates, and less napkins at dinner.
To reuse, think about what you can do to find permanent items instead of temporary ones. Using reusable grocery bags instead of the plastic ones at the store is a great place to start. Sometimes you can even get a discount for bringing your own bags!
To recycle, get two bins in your home and make a conscious effort when getting rid of something to find out if it should go in the trash bin or the recycle bin. It takes a little extra time, but it makes a huge difference.