It is of the utmost importance that governments around the world make decisions to avoid the
worst consequences of the climate emergency
.
Just this Thursday, on Earth Day, leaders of the most powerful countries gathered at the virtual climate summit to boost these global efforts.
Climate change, caused for example by coal plants and the use of other fossil fuels, is causing natural disasters.
It makes droughts and floods worse, for example, or makes hurricanes stronger.
Temperatures are reaching record highs,
causing forest fires or thaws that make the oceans rise, among countless other harmful effects.
But the commitment to stop the damage to the Earth must not only come from world leaders: much can also be achieved if
individually new habits are adopted
that contribute to saving the planet.
[Biden pledges to cut US carbon emissions in half by 2030]
Here are some things you can do on a day-to-day basis to help:
Reduce car use
: this will
reduce
greenhouse gas emissions.
You can also walk more or use a bicycle, which will improve your health.
Use reusable bags when you go to the supermarket
: avoid the plastic bags that are given in stores, they are a threat to the environment, especially to the oceans.
Ask the cashier for paper bags or always carry reusable ones with you.
Avoid plastic bottles and containers
: get in the habit of drinking your drinks in steel or glass containers.
All plastic deposits end up in the garbage, and from there they go to a landfill in the sea or an incineration plant, which is highly polluting
Use eco-friendly
bulbs - LED, CFL, and halogen incandescent lamps last longer and are non-toxic.
Eat less meat
: The
meat
industry produces more greenhouse gas emissions.
[Planet Earth: This is how Trump's policies on climate change have impacted]
Recycle everything you can
: reusing plastic, paper and aluminum is one way not to contribute to global warming.
In addition, it saves energy.
Buy local products and ensure that your shipments travel together
: products and food that arrive from distant places have to be transported by trucks, ships and airplanes.
If you buy online, ask that all your purchases be sent in one package.
Use rechargeable batteries
: this will avoid throwing them away, as battery acid is very harmful to the floor.
Do not heat the car
: if it is winter, try to avoid heating the vehicle before driving, better bundle up well inside the car.
["It's not about hugging rabbits." Russia and China put aside their rivalry with the US and join the fight against the climate emergency]
Take care of the clothes you wear
.
The cheap synthetic fibers used in some clothes emit gases like N2O, which is more harmful than CO2.
Plant a tree
.
Trees purify the air we breathe.
Turn off lights and unplug electronics
- you'll save energy for the planet and yourself money on your bill at the end of the month.