Be The Change That Combats Climate Change!
Climate activist and environmental scientist Laura Young shares her top tips for sustainable living that will help you reduce your impact on the environment in our Climate Change issue. Discover more ways to get involved…
A lot of the time we talk about needing to change the system to tackle climate change, but we can do a lot by changing even the little things in our own lives.
No matter how small, these changes chip away at the bigger things we hope to influence. Every gram of carbon not emitted, each piece of single-use plastic avoided, and every conversation had about climate change will put us on the right trajectory for the future we want to see.
Here’s some advice on how to get started!
What is the biggest thing individuals can do to make a difference?
We can all campaign for change. From the easiest types of ‘slacktivism’ such as signing online petitions or sharing posts on social media, through to emailing and meeting with your MP/MSP or joining in local community action groups, we can have a huge impact when we organise and unite for change.
At the time of COP26 there will be so much to get involved with.
With COP26 coming to Glasgow we have an opportunity like no other before to have our voices heard. For example, campaigns such as Climate Scotland from Stop Climate Chaos Scotland (SCCS) bring together voices from thousands of people across Scotland to take to COP26 (CLICK HERE). Adding your voice to the causes you are passionate about is an important part of what it means to live every day to make a difference.
At the time of COP26 there will be so much to get involved with. You can find out about events and things to do both online and in-person through the Climate Fringe website, and following organisations like SCCS online!
How can we initiate conversations with those around us about climate change and encourage them to consider making a difference too?
Climate scientist Katharine Hayhoe famously said in her TED Talk that the most important thing we can all do for climate change is have a conversation about it. This is where we can all begin, and this is how we can normalise sustainable solutions and keep this at the forefront of all we do. So, go and talk about it!
I find that beginning on mutual ground with subjects we have in common helps ground the conversation in a helpful way.
Not everyone has had the same experience and it is important we all understand the basics before we demand change from individuals, businesses, or governments. I find that beginning on mutual ground with subjects we have in common helps ground the conversation in a helpful way. Then, while expressing the urgency, bring in hope and solutions to show that the world we need is possible.
