Maybe the news already reached you. If not, here we go: after a 3 years of research a special report on the impact of global warming came out yesterday. And this time it’s the final call, according scientists.
Their dramatic report states that keeping the temperature rise at 1.5°C above pre-industrial levels is our best chance. The way we are acting now is more likely to put it at 3°C. The 1.5°C temperature “guard rail” could be exceeded in just 12 years, in 2030.
The preferred target of 1.5°C will mean “rapid, far-reaching and unprecedented changes in all aspects of society”. Plus all these foods will be gone ;( (COFFEE’S ON THE LIST!!!) Imagine what 3°C will do?
The report says there must be rapid and significant changes in four big global systems enforced by governments and corporations:
- energy • land use • cities • industry
But it adds that the world cannot meet its target without changes by individuals. This is were you and I come in, thank Goddess. We can do this my people! I know that this message is scary and dark, but try to see it as something empowering. We now know the truth and can therefore act on it. Let’s come together, right now, to save our only home mother earth.
So, what can we do?
- Go vegan! Or at the very least, buy a lot less meat, milk, cheese and butter. Try these alternatives instead!
- Buy more locally sourced seasonal food (here’s a guide on how to do the farmer’s market like a pro)
- Only buy what you will eat – let’s stop food waste.
- Drive electric cars, commute, walk and cycle.
- Make sure that your tires are inflated properly and use the correct fuel for your vehicle.
- Use video conferencing instead of business travel.
- Use a washing line instead of a tumble dryer (it will make your clothes last longer too)
- Insulate your home well.
- Turn the lights of, stop overusing AC and heaters and unplug your devices when not in use (there’s a master switch for that)
- Choose renewable energy for your home.
- Start adapting to a zero waste lifestyle and become a conscious consumer; do I really need this?
- Avoid processed foods and snacks containing destructive deforestation-driving palm oil. Here’s a guide I made to make your green grocery shopping easy 🙂
As the co-chair of Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) Dr Debra Roberts, puts it;
” Lifestyle changes can make a big difference. That’s a very empowering message for the individual. This is not about remote science; it is about where we live and work, and it gives us a cue on how we might be able to contribute to that massive change, because everyone is going to have to be involved.”
“You might say you don’t have control over land use, but you do have control over what you eat and that determines land use.
“We can choose the way we move in cities and if we don’t have access to public transport – make sure you are electing politicians who provide options around public transport.”
This is our only planet. I know that I will do everything in my power to save her and reverse the damage we have done. Join me in this! United we stand, divided we fall as Joy Division puts it.
We can do this and the time is now.