There is no easy solution; in order to make progress, a series of changes and improvements must be made on a personal and societal level. Reduction of greenhouse gas emissions At a global level, it will be challenging. Research published in the journal Science last month showed that of 1,500 climate policies implemented in 41 countries between 1998 and 2022, only 63 contributed significantly to reducing emissions.

The most significant change that needs to be made is to stop extracting and burning fossil fuels and replace them with renewable energy sources. Available renewable energy options include solar, wind, geothermal, and hydropower. Some countries are implementing policies that tax the use of fossil fuels and subsidize the use of renewables to encourage a shift from one to the other.

There are also small steps you can take in your daily life to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. For example, reducing electricity consumption in homes and buildings, as well as using energy more efficiently, leads to less fossil fuels being burned to produce electricity. This can include improving the insulation of your home, switching to energy-efficient light bulbs, and turning off electrical appliances when not in use.

You can also reduce greenhouse gas emissions through your mode of transportation. Cars and planes emit significant amounts of carbon dioxide, so opting for bicycles, e-scooters, trains or buses is a more environmentally friendly option. Sharing rides with friends and neighbors is another easy and fun way to reduce emissions.

Agriculture is responsible for 10 to 20 % of global greenhouse gas emissions. By replacing animal products with plant-based ingredients, you can improve your health and reduce your carbon footprint. Historically, reducing greenhouse gas emissions has been seen as an obstacle to economic growth, as fossil fuel energy production has long been cheaper than renewable alternatives. However, technological advances and the development of renewable energy markets in recent years have made these alternatives significantly more accessible. According to the International Energy Agency, solar and wind power are now the cheapest sources of new energy over their life cycle.

Some industries are actively obstructing and delaying effective climate action. For example, the fossil fuel industry has known about the threat of climate change since 1954, but experts said in May it has spent decades spreading doubt in society. Now, many companies in the industry claim to be switching to “low-carbon” or “transitional” energy sources, but studies suggest this is a form of greenwashing. The big oil industry is currently facing a raft of lawsuits for allegedly misleading the public about its role in causing climate change. The situation is similar in the livestock industry; the last UN climate conference, COP28, saw a record number of meat and dairy lobbyists. These participants are being urged to behave in a similar way to big oil companies: denying their role in climate change and delaying discussions on reducing meat consumption. (Co2AI)