How You Can Tackle Climate Change at Home
As the effects of climate change become more visible in the world around us, it becomes all the more important to take both climate change adaptation and mitigation actions to prepare ourselves. By adopting more sustainable actions, we help to mitigate the effects of climate change by slowing the rate of global warming. By making changes to our environment, we can also mitigate how the changes to the climate affect us and our neighbours.
Of course, there will always be roadblocks. It can be difficult to form more eco-friendly habits and it can be costly to personally undertake climate mitigation works. Fortunately, local councils across the UK are offering a helping hand to residents to encourage action.
Climate Change Mitigation Actions: Reducing Carbon Footprints
One of the biggest changes you can make to reduce your carbon footprint is changing how you travel. Just by changing your commute, you can drastically reduce your carbon emissions. In Nottingham, residents are empowered to adopt sustainable, active transportation methods, such as walking, cycling, or using scooters, to reduce emissions associated with personal vehicles, through their active travel fund.
Dietary choices also play a pivotal role in mitigation efforts. Incorporating more plant-based meals, sourcing local produce, and planning your weekly dinners can collectively reduce the carbon footprint associated with food waste. Community gardens and local food cooperatives in various English towns have made sustainable food options more accessible. This fosters a culture of mindful eating. Warwickshire County Council has rewarded residents with vouchers for reducing food waste through their Slim Your Bin programme.
Effective waste management is essential in reducing greenhouse gas emissions. Reducing, reusing, and recycling minimizes the waste directed to landfills, thereby lowering methane emissions and preventing the build up of microplastics in our system. Local programmes have been instrumental in promoting these practices. For example, in Bexley, the council have created Local Green Points to educate residents about how to properly sort their recycling.
Climate Change Adaptation Actions: Preparing for Climate Impacts
If you’re here, you’re probably doing as much as you can to prevent climate change, but some areas are already seeing the effects now. Preparing for extreme weather events is vital in adapting to climate change. Solutions such as rewilding, which involves planting more trees, help absorb rainfall and mitigate flooding. Phil Sturgeon’s charity, Protect Earth, acquired a 70-acre plot with financial aid to plant 12,000 saplings. They aim to work harmoniously with farmers and address both environmental conservation and agricultural needs.
Supporting local biodiversity through sustainable landscaping practices contributes to climate adaptation. Initiatives like the Charlcombe Toad Rescue Group not only protect amphibian populations but also raise awareness about the broader ecological impacts of climate change. These community-led efforts highlight the importance of preserving local wildlife and natural habitats.
Engaging with community climate initiatives amplifies individual efforts. Participating in local sustainability programs, attending educational workshops, and advocating for climate-resilient policies fosters a collective approach to adaptation. For instance, in Camden, residents are incentivised to de-pave their gardens. This helps to mitigate the impact of extreme weather on urban areas by functioning as drainage systems during heavy rain and offering water security during droughts.
Take Action Today
Wherever you are, be sure to look up whether your local authority is supporting you to prevent and prepare for climate change. You might live in one of the 15+ Council jurisdictions, where you can get rewarded for your sustainable actions. Try searching your local council along with ‘green rewards’ and find out if you qualify.
If you’re a sustainability manager at a council, you can be part of the movement! Get in touch with our team to find out how you can reward your community for their sustainable actions.
