When the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) was established in the 1990s, negotiators focused on greenhouse gas emissions, or GHGs. They discussed mitigation actions; ways to reduce GHGs. The landmark Kyoto Protocol of 1997 (at COP 3) emphasized mitigation, with commitments from developed countries to reduce their production of and reliance on fossil fuels. The 2015 Paris Agreement set the goal of a global temperature rise of no more than 1.5 degrees centigrade by 2050. This goal would be achieved only if developed countries - the major GHG emitters - transitioned significantly to renewable energy sources. This has not happened. Countries are expanding their use of renewables but not fast enough th meet the 1.5 degree goal. Consequently, negotiators now devote considerable time to discussing adaptation - how to deal with a warming world and its consequencxes, such as wildfires, drought, intense hurricanes and typhoons... These articles relate to the imp...
Just talking about reducing your impact in small ways with those around you can influence them to do the same. I personally witnessed this with my father, who wasn't initially concerned about environmental issues. By consistently engaging in conversations about sustainable practices and highlighting the positive changes we could make together, I'm happy to report a shift in his perspective. He's actively adopting greener habits, demonstrating the power of influence through open communication.
ReplyDeleteReducing your environmental impact truly doesn't have to be overwhelming. Starting small, like growing a vegetable garden or incorporating more plant-based meals into your diet, can make a significant difference. Witnessing these changes firsthand, not only in my father's behavior but also in the health of our homegrown vegetables, has solidified my belief in the collective power of small yet impactful actions. In the article I have attached from the United Nations you can look into more ways you can reduce your impact on the environment. https://www.un.org/en/actnow/ten-actions
It's so nice to see the positive impact that small, consistent actions can have such big meaning to the people around us. I've experienced something similar with my friends as well who have become more mindful of their environmental footprint through our conversations and shared activities. It's incredible how collective efforts can bring such change. For anyone feeling overwhelmed by the scale of our current climate crisis, we should all remember that every step matters.
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ReplyDeleteI found it interesting that they pointed out the fact that having fewer children would help with controlling climate change. I think that it is important that we understand how having to many children is detrimental to our climate. I also realize the controversy in making these claims, and understand that population issues are different among other counties. Having fewer children isn't always the solution in some places. I still think that it is an important topic to discuss especially when debating climate change. https://news.harvard.edu/gazette/story/2023/11/thinking-about-having-baby-even-during-climate-crisis/
ReplyDeleteAs a Forestry major myself, it is really good to see that other people outside of the forestry and agriculture realm are caring about the well-being of our environment, and emphasizes the dramatic changes of the climate. I personally think that the best way to get people more aware of climate change, is to be adamant about the subject and take action. Even if it is not drastic, anything that can help supress climate change plays a big role in our ecosystem.
ReplyDeleteThe article emphasizes the crucial role of individual actions and political advocacy in combating the climate crisis. Leading scientists highlight voting for climate-focused politicians as the most impactful action, especially in this important election year. Personal changes like reducing flights, eating less meat, and using sustainable transport are also important but must be paired with systemic changes driven by policy.
ReplyDeleteI think a lot can be taken away from the fact that 76% of experts stated that backing politicians who will push for climate change action is one of the most important things an individual can do to combat climate change. One can do a lot to reduce their personal carbon footprint, but big, heavily impactful changes can't come until it's the national or global law/norm. Here is a really good article from the World Bank that outlines recent climate policies from around the world and their outcomes: https://www.worldbank.org/en/news/feature/2023/09/19/climate-policies-with-real-world-results Most of these outcomes are the results of climate change-combatting governments and policies.
ReplyDeleteI completely agree with the fact that these people need to take action. Too many people voice their opinion but stray away from taking action and we need a culture shift.
ReplyDeleteI agree with the fact that too many people stand off to the sidelines when it comes to climate action. The article that you provided gives a lot of thoughtful insight about the factors that play a role in climate change, and what we as individuals can do to lessen our carbon footprint.
ReplyDeleteFor those concerned about climate change, taking meaningful action is essential to making a difference. Individuals can start by reducing their carbon footprint: using public transportation, biking, or walking instead of driving; switching to renewable energy sources; and adopting energy-efficient appliances and lighting. Additionally, supporting and advocating for policies that promote sustainability and reduce greenhouse gas emissions is crucial. Simple daily changes, such as reducing meat consumption, recycling, and minimizing waste, can collectively have a significant impact. By making conscious lifestyle choices and encouraging others to do the same, individuals can contribute to the global effort to combat climate change. The following is a website link that includes a few more actions that can be taken with an explanation of why they are important; https://www.epa.gov/climate-change/what-you-can-do-about-climate-change
ReplyDeleteI found this as an eye opener as to what I could do personally to take action against climate change. Even though the article notes that individual efforts can "only go so far", and that systemic changes and government policies are crucial, it still showed the potential impacts we ourselves can have by just taking that first step. I found this article that shows even more and even simpler actions that can be taken to help fight the climate crisis: https://www.unep.org/news-and-stories/story/10-ways-you-can-help-fight-climate-crisis. With these basic small changes, like just tweaking diets, wasting less foods, and changing methods of transportation, we can all become more conscious of our carbon footprint and start making deliberate choices.
ReplyDeleteAs someone deeply concerned about the climate crisis, and wanting to implement it in my career, I believe it is crucial not to be a bystander in our collective fight against global heating. This article highlights how important it is for me as an average citizen to partake in reducing the impacts of climate change. Voting for politicians who pledge strong climate measures is crucial, as political leaders who value the world we live in will heavily impact how much we are able to help. As students, we have the power to influence elections and advocate for climate conscious leaders, ensuring our voices are heard and supporting those committed to implementing effective climate strategies.
ReplyDeleteAdditionally, reducing flying, opting for sustainable transport, and reducing personal actions that cause buildup for the climate crisis will help in the long run even if it is miniscule. By choosing public or electric transport, we can substantially reduce our carbon footprint which goes a long way. Participating in climate protests, while I have never done this before, may also amplify our message and demonstrate our commitment to climate action. The involvement of average people who are committed to make a change can greatly help the world we live in from becoming something not too comfortable.
I agree if you are aware and concerned about climate change you should definitely take action towards minimizing climate change. There are many ways we can all do our part in helping reduce climate change and our carbon foot print. One way we can reduce carbon emissions is by walking, biking, carpooling or using public transportation to travel places. Transitioning to renewable energy is also a large part of eliminating climate change. One way people can make the transition to renewable energy is buying electric vehicles or installing solar panels. Another way we can help reduce climate change is recycling and incorporating sustainable practices. https://www.basf.com/us/en/who-we-are/change-for-climate.html?at_medium=display&at_campaign=COM_BAW_US_EN_Climate-Protection_TRA_Microsoft-Ads-Generic-Phrase-2024&at_creation=Search_Microsoft-Corporation_EN_Text-Ad_FY24-Generic-Bing-Climate-Protection&at_channel=Microsoft-Corporation&at_format=Text-Ad&at_variant=Climate-Protection_1x1_EN-Generic-Bing-Climate-Protection&utm_source=bing&utm_medium=cpc&utm_campaign=COM_BAW_US_EN_Climate-Protection_TRA_Microsoft-Ads-Generic-Phrase-2024&utm_term=Protect%20climate&utm_content=Search_Microsoft-Corporation_EN_Text-Ad_FY24-Generic-Bing-Climate-Protection&gclid=CN-8l6G5yIYDFb-1xQIdxooC-A&gclsrc=ds
ReplyDeleteI am personally concerned with the climate crisis. Being a part of the younger generation, we will be living on the Earth for several more decades, so this is an issue that should be of concern to all young adults. Since Corvallis is such a bikeable location, I go out of my way to bike to locations when I'm physically able. I do this mainly for the physical benefit, but I also do it to reduce my carbon footprint. On top of biking/walking to places, I am actually a pescetarian, so it was very interesting to read in the article that cutting meat consumption had significant impacts on helping the climate crisis. Now that I have that information, it's good to know that even as an individual I can make a meaningful difference. Strength is in numbers though, so that is why it is so important for everyone to participate in reducing carbon emissions.
ReplyDeleteReducing our overall meat production as well as consumption is necessary action that must be taken given the sheer amount of carbon emissions its responsible for. The US and China especially bear responsibility for this as they are the world's biggest meat producers.
ReplyDeletehttps://www.vox.com/future-perfect/2024/3/20/24105735/peak-meat-livestock-emissions-plant-based-climate-deadline