Climate change – What can we do?

For months now we have been hearing and reading about Climate Change and how it is affecting the world we live in. The seriousness of the affects of Climate Change became very apparent when the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) report  was issued.  The UN’s panel of science experts  told us that they are more certain than ever before that humans are causing the climate to change, and that climate change will impact on everything from ecosystems and species to hunger, poverty, development, and global conflict.

Carbon emissions have soared in the last decade and are now growing at almost double the previous rate. If we want to stabilise emissions and address climate change we need strong action now. We need to address our reliance on imported fossil fuels along with measures that cut energy waste. Renewable energy alternatives such as wind, hydropower and solar were viewed most favourably by the report. Over the years these renewable energy technologies have reduced in price which have made them more affordable.  We need policy makers to start taking action but we also need to start making simple changes.

“The report is clear: the more you wait, the more it will cost [and] the more difficult it will become,” said EU commissioner Connie Hedegaard. 

The infographic below summarises the findings of the IPCC report and suggests how we can play our part in reducing carbon emissions and reducing the affects of Climate Change. Catastrophic climate change can be averted without sacrificing our living standards. Now, it’s time to embrace the climate solutions!

Global warming and climate change is a real issue and we must start changing our mindset and behaviour and become more aware of the environment we live in and how we can make a difference. What change will you make today?