While it may not be possible to fully reverse or stop climate change, it could be possible to drastically slow its progression. These are five real solutions to the climate crisis.
Cut Greenhouse Gas Emissions
Greenhouse gas emissions are the primary driver of modern climate change, as reported by climate scientists. Transportation, electricity, industry, commercial and residential, agriculture, and land use are the largest emitters of greenhouse gasses in the United States, as reported by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).
Reducing greenhouse gas emissions would help to combat climate change. Reduction strategies include on-site energy generation via renewable sources, especially for large industries. The transportation sector could generate fewer greenhouse gasses by introducing more electric vehicles or adopting other fuel sources, like natural gas, which emits 50-60% less carbon dioxide when burned.
Increase Efficiency
Increasing efficiencies in all systems of society can help lower greenhouse gasses and curb climate change. Generally, the more efficient a system, the fewer resources needed to keep the system operating.
A good example is LED lightbulbs. When compared to CFLs, LED light bulbs require 60-70% less energy for the life of the bulbs and last an average of 50,000 hours of life, compared to just 8,000 hours when using CFLs. All industries and commercial or residential buildings are encouraged to switch to LED’s to save money, energy and to reduce electronic waste.
Efficiency should be prioritized in the transportation sector as well, which is the largest greenhouse gas emitting sector across the globe.
Reforestation
Trees and forests are a natural defense against climate change, as fauna absorbs carbon dioxide and releases oxygen, helping to balance the climate. Deforestation removes large areas of forests, cutting them off from absorbing carbon dioxide. The process of deforestation also disturbs wildlife and increases the risk of erosion.
By reforesting land with native trees, shrubs, and other species, it can help curb climate change and increase biodiversity.
Increased Governmental Cooperation
Creating sustainable systems is key to climate longevity. Partnership between nations to agree on plans to tackle climate change are essential. Many nations across the globe have already set pledges and goals to help mitigate climate change. Norway now produces over 90% of their electricity using renewable resources, and other countries on their way to reaching this goal.
Cooperation between nations is necessary for tackling climate change and assisting in managing the consequences of climate change already being felt.
Technology
Technology has come a long way. With technology, solutions for climate change never imagined are able to be developed. Renewable energy systems, like solar and wind, were overlooked and underfunded for decades. Now, they are taken seriously as their technologies, efficiency, and cost have improved.
Current, exciting technologies that show potential include Artificial Technology (AI), which use complex algorithms to analyze systems. GreyParrot, for example, is leading the way with an AI technology capable of analyzing waste streams. It accurately and quickly categorizes waste and offers data that can help policy makers understand waste and its components to better formulate regulations to protect the environment.
