Today is World Earth Day, so there’s no better time to start taking climate action.

The race to reduce our emissions can seem daunting, particularly as it is a complex, global issue that affects all of us. But it is precisely for that reason we should be making steps to reduce our emissions so we can help move the planet to net zero emissions by 2050. And remember, the actions you take have a knock-on effect on others. For example, one study showed that people were more likely to install solar panels when they lived in neighbourhoods that already had them. Here then are eight ways you can take climate action right now.

Ditch The Car

In the US, the average passenger car emits about 4.6 metric tons of carbon dioxide annually, illustrating the role cars play in emissions. Of course, it is not always possible to live without a car, but you can walk (or cycle) for shorter trips, and – if you still need to drive – consider switching to an electric vehicle. Remember to regularly service your car which keeps it more energy efficient; keep your tires pumped correctly; use cruise control on long journeys to save petrol; and ultimately try and reduce the number of car journeys you take. And, the good news about taking those shorter journeys on foot (or by bike) is that you are not just improving the planet’s health, but yours as well.

Eat Less Meat

The global livestock industry produces 14.5% of all greenhouse gas emissions, with cattle representing 65% of this amount. Indeed, the authors of a 2018 report published in Science claim that avoiding meat and dairy products is the single biggest way to reduce your environmental impact on the planet. This isn’t just about the effects of farming but about the processing, packaging and distribution of meat. And it isn’t just about emissions, but broader sustainability – we need to move away from the idea that someone in France should be eating beef imported from Brazil, or that it is essential to be able to eat strawberries all year long. The more local the sources for your food the better, as it means less transport, less emissions, and more support for local producers. To get started, why not calculate your food’s carbon footprint here?

Fly Less

It is no secret that planes run on fossil fuels, and despite some progress in renewable jet fuel, mass uptake is some way off. And with global aviation contributing to emissions (for example, global aviation accounted for 2.4% of total CO2 emissions in 2018), it is clear that we need to reduce the number of flights we take. To put things in perspective, someone taking a return flight from New York to Lisbon generates the same amount of emissions as the average EU citizen does heating their home for a year. So what can you do? Well, for short-haul flights, consider taking the train; swap your annual foreign holiday for a ‘staycation’ whenever you can. Instead of taking multiple city breaks throughout the year, take one longer holiday and travel between those cities overland. If you are traveling for business, ask yourself if you could achieve the same results remotely. The COVID-19 pandemic has shown us that it is possible to conduct meetings online rather than face-to-face, which not only reduces costs and increases efficiency, but reduces our emissions as well. And if you do have to fly, go in economy class; a 2013 World Bank report revealed that a business class passenger has a carbon footprint three times higher than an economy passenger. Also if you do have to fly, be aware of what it means for the climate: you can estimate your flight emissions with this calculator. You can also choose to compensate those emissions by contributing to emissions reduction development projects.

Switch Electricity Provider

Commercial and residential buildings – as a result of electricity, heating and cooling ­– contribute around 12% of global greenhouse gas emissions annually, which is why it is important we reduce our domestic climate footprint as soon as possible. The good news is that in many countries energy suppliers have to disclose the sources they use to generate energy. For example, in Ireland in 2019, five energy suppliers offered 100% renewable energy sources, while seven offered a percentage of renewable energy (ranging from 31.1% to 47.5%). Once you have switched provider, the next step is reducing the amount of energy you use (e.g. plugging out appliances when not in use). So not only are you helping combat climate change, you are saving money as well. Win-win!

Talk to your representatives

Politicians respond to the public mood, so it is important that you let your representatives – whether on a local or national level – know that you care about climate change and that they should too. Reminding your leaders to submit a more ambitious NDC (each country’s climate plan to reduce emissions) is a good place to start. Check to see if your nation missed the 2020 deadline and keep encouraging your government to continually boost their climate ambitions. Climate action improves health, reduces inequality and bolsters the economy, something every politician cares about. And climate action – no matter how big it is or where it is taken ­– has a global impact, which means the actions we take locally impact the entire world. So, look around your neighbourhood and offer solutions about how emissions could be cut. Take inspiration from other projects around the world. There are thousands of voluntary environmental groups around the world; search online, and get involved.

Be Fashion ‘Smart’

The global fashion industry – particularly fast fashion – contributes to climate change in multiple ways, especially in terms of the emissions pumped into the atmosphere during every stage of the process (from manufacturing to shipping). With emissions from textile manufacturing alone projected to rise by 60% by 2030, it is important we change our fashion consumption habits. The good news is that through UN Climate Change’s Fashion Charter, more and more businesses (everyone from Adidas to Chanel) are committing to reducing their emissions with the aim of producing net-zero emissions by 2050. As consumers, you can buy less clothes and make them last longer, choose local manufacturers who engage in sustainable practices and recycle (and upcycle) your existing clothes. Fashion companies can also measure the carbon footprint of their products with this calculator.

Use Your Money Wisely

Money talks, so the saying goes, and what we spend our money on sends a message about what our priorities are. So, it is important to buy products and services that are ‘climate friendly’, which often means buying local where possible. Research which companies are taking their climate responsibilities seriously, and are taking steps to reduce their climate footprint. If you are in a position to invest, make sure that your money goes to sustainable companies. There are a number of sustainable funds, known as ESG funds (environmental, social and governance), which don’t just focus on climate change, but on all social issues. Investing in companies that are taking climate action also creates a virtuous circle: the more people invest in those companies, the higher their value goes, and more companies will look to become more sustainable.

Talk to Others

Don’t be afraid to let others know about climate action they can take; the more people aware of the dangers of climate change, and what they can do to combat it the better. Don’t be judgemental – you aren’t going to convince anyone that way. Also, don’t be too pessimistic – a ‘we are all doomed’ tone will turn people off, and lead them to do nothing, as they will feel nothing they do matters. Instead, let them know of specific things they can do in order to take climate action (sharing this article would be a good start!) and make them aware of the Paris Agreement and the goal of reaching climate neutrality by 2050. Remember, actions are contagious, so be sure to share solutions that have worked in your community, as they may work in others too.

And finally, don’t despair! Millions of others throughout the world are dedicated to building a clean, green, healthy, sustainable and just planet. History is filled with people and organizations that worked together to make things better – just look at Polio, which was just eradicated in Africa. Or the efforts to heal the ozone layer. That’s what should fuel our hope.