Solutions for Combating Global Warming

Global responses to global warming

International

UN (United Nations):

United Nations(UN) is an international organization that gathers the world's nations to solve global problems. One of the work of the UN is to support sustainable development and climate action.   

The United Nations launched its sustainable development agenda in 2015, reflecting the growing understanding by Member States that a development model that is sustainable for this and future generations offers the best path forward for reducing poverty and improving the lives of people everywhere. At the same time, climate change began making a profound impact on the consciousness of humanity. With the polar ice caps melting, global sea levels rising and cataclysmic weather events increasing in ferocity, no country in the world is safe from the effects of climate change (United Nations, n.d.-a).

Kyoto protocol:

The Kyoto protocol is an international convention adopted in December 1997 that operationalizes the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change by committing industrialized countries and economies in transition to limit and reduce greenhouse gases emissions in accordance with agreed individual targets. The Convention itself only asks those countries to adopt policies and measures on mitigation and to report periodically (United Nations Climate Change, n.d.-b). The greenhouse gas emissions are monitored, and the nation failing to reduce it to the objective will be financially disadvantaged. The protocol is available to 2020, and the Paris agreement is newly composed.

Paris agreement:

The Paris agreement is an improved international convention to stop climate change. The Agreement is a legally binding international treaty. It entered into force on 4 November 2016. Today, 195 Parties (194 States plus the European Union) have joined the Paris Agreement (United Nations, n.d.-b). The Paris agreement sets up three long-term goals, which are limiting temperature rise to 1.5℃, reviewing emission reduction for every five years, and providing climate finance to developing countries (United Nations, n.d.-b). 

National

There are some possible actions in national scope. First, countries can consider making a policy about sustainable resources, such as recycling and renewable energy. Recycling and using renewable energy could reduce excessive emission of carbon and preserve ecosystems. 

Also, countries could make a fee for the carbon emission, which is named 'Carbon Pricing'. It could eventually make economical development compatible with climate protection (United Nations Climate Change, n.d.-a). The term 'Emissions Trading' is also derived, which allows trade the right to emit carbon. Carbon pricing and Emission trading are from the Paris agreement, and they could be applied both internationally and nationally.

Local

At a local level, it is hard to make a compulsive policy, so promoting local people will be a good action.

The local communities can make a campaign about preserving ecosystems and reducing emissions, which can enlighten individuals about the importance of climate change, and eventually expecting individuals to act by themselves.

With the increasing awareness of the importance of combating global warming, many individuals are looking for ways to make a difference right in their own homes. Small changes in our daily habits can add up to significant impacts on reducing carbon footprints and helping to combat climate change.

Personal Action and Advocacy

What Individuals Can Do

1) Adopt Sustainable Transportation:  

  By walking, biking, carpooling, or using public transit instead of driving alone, you significantly reduce carbon emissions associated with personal vehicles. Transportation is a major source of greenhouse gases, so choosing cleaner alternatives helps lower overall emissions.

2) Conserve Energy at Home:  

  Using energy-efficient appliances, LED bulbs, and smart home technologies reduces electricity consumption. Since a large portion of electricity is generated from fossil fuels, decreasing energy use translates directly into lower carbon emissions.

3) Eat a Plant-Based Diet:  

  Meat and dairy production has a high carbon footprint due to methane emissions from livestock and the energy used in feed production and transportation. By shifting to a more plant-based diet, you can significantly cut down on these emissions.

4) Reduce, Reuse, Recycle:  

  Minimizing waste reduces the energy required for production and disposal. Recycling materials like paper and plastics can significantly lower emissions by conserving the energy needed to create new products from raw materials.

5) Support Renewable Energy:  

  Switching to renewable energy sources like solar or wind reduces reliance on fossil fuels, which are the largest contributors to carbon emissions. Investing in green energy not only lowers your carbon footprint but also supports the transition to a sustainable energy grid.

Community Engagement

1. Volunteer Opportunities

Join Local Clean-Up Efforts:  

  Cleaning up local environments helps prevent litter and pollution from entering ecosystems. Cleaner areas often lead to healthier local flora and fauna, which can absorb CO2, thus indirectly reducing overall carbon levels.

Tree Planting Initiatives:  

  Trees absorb CO2 during photosynthesis, making tree planting one of the most effective actions to sequester carbon. Each mature tree can absorb around 48 pounds of CO2 per year, significantly contributing to climate mitigation.

Contribute to Community Gardens:  

  Community gardens can provide local, sustainable food sources, reducing the carbon emissions associated with transporting food long distances. They also enhance green spaces that can capture carbon and improve local biodiversity.

2. Local Environmental Organizations

Find Local Groups:  

  Engaging with organizations focused on sustainability can amplify your impact. These groups often work on larger-scale initiatives that can lead to significant reductions in carbon emissions at the community or regional level.

Attend Events and Workshops:  

  Participating in educational events raises awareness and encourages collective action within communities. The more people are informed about reducing carbon footprints, the greater the potential impact on local emissions.

Education and Awareness

1. Resources for Teaching Others

Create Informative Materials:  

  By developing and distributing educational resources, you spread awareness about the importance of carbon reduction strategies. Informed communities are more likely to adopt sustainable practices, leading to lower emissions collectively.

Host Workshops:  

  Workshops on climate action equip individuals with the knowledge and tools to reduce their carbon footprints. When people implement what they learn, it results in tangible reductions in emissions within their households and communities.

2. Tools for Community Workshops

Utilize Online Platforms:  

  Virtual workshops can reach a wider audience, making it easier for more people to learn about reducing carbon emissions. The more individuals who participate, the larger the cumulative effect on carbon reduction efforts.

Leverage Social Media:

  Sharing information and success stories on social media raises awareness and inspires others to take action. Mobilizing people can lead to community-wide initiatives that effectively lower carbon emissions.

Create Interactive Activities: 

  Engaging activities help participants understand the carbon cycle and the impact of their choices. When people grasp the concept of carbon footprints, they are more likely to make informed decisions that reduce emissions in their daily lives.

Conclusion

By taking individual actions that directly reduce carbon emissions and advocating for community engagement and education, we can collectively combat global warming. Every small step contributes to a larger movement towards a sustainable future. Your efforts can inspire others and help create significant change in addressing climate challenges.