Just chill

Summers are getting warmer each year. Sea levels are rising, oceans are warmer, longer and intense droughts threaten crops, species extinction is common…..our planet’s diversity is under risk. “Climate change” we utter and move on, expecting the authorities, the environmentalists, or someone else to work on it. It’s obvious that a lot more needs to be done. We must collectively fight it.

Climate change poses a fundamental threat. It’s beyond doubt that human activity is causing global warming, so the onus is on us to change our ways quickly. If we wish to leave a better place for the forthcoming generations, we had better start NOW! We need to take charge of our planet.

Read to find out what you, as an individual, can do to invite better summers …

Replace meat: Animal agriculture’ leads to deforestation, is the single largest contributor of greenhouse gases, pollutes our water, fuels poverty and climate change! The United Nations report of 2010 titled ‘Livestock’s Long Shadow’ states that a global shift towards a plant-based diet is vital to save world. The good news – there are so many meat replacements that you won’t feel deprived!

Replace dairy: Cows bred for milk and meat produce large amounts of methane, one of the most potent greenhouse gases. With so many delicious plant based dairy alternatives, we can feed our taste buds without depending on cows.

Replace plastic: Plastic and climate change are totally connected. As plastic bags decompose, they release greenhouse gases and carcinogens into the atmosphere. Avoid taking that plastic carry bag or buying things that are unnecessarily packaged in plastic.

Go organic: The chemicals in pesticides are destroying the soils of our planet. When you start demanding organic, you force the farmer to grow organic.

Use energy-efficient items: Invest in eco-friendly products and initiatives. Walk, cycle, re-use, recycle and don’t waste.

Practice Minimalism: ‘I walked into a shop and realised that there are so many things that man can do without’, said a famous philosopher.

Remember that our children will face greater challenges: We are facing a problem of overpopulation. Contemplate before having children. Children face even greater survival challenges in a quickly changing world. Many people choose to be child free precisely for this reason. Why not adopt or work with children or animals instead?

Make others aware: Speak up! Many people are so caught up in daily challenges to think long term. Take time to learn and make others aware.