Take Action to Stop Climate Change
One of the best ways to stop climate change is to reduce the amount of carbon dioxide (CO2) we emit. Increases in CO2 traps more heat on our planet.
Here are some tips on how to reduce the impact of climate change on wildlife and habitats.
In Your Home & Car
In our everyday lives, there are many little ways we can use less energy and be more energy efficient.
- Swap your regular light bulbs for energy efficient ones such as compact fluorescent (reduce 150 pounds of CO2).
- Lower your thermostat 2 degrees in the winter (reduce 2000 pounds of CO2).
- Wash clothes in cold water (reduce 500 pounds of CO2).
- Line dry your clothes.
- Buy energy efficient appliances.
All major appliances come with energy-efficiency ratings. Energy Star options are available on a wide range of appliances, from televisions, computers and other electronic equipment, to major appliances like refrigerators and dishwashers, to home heating and cooling and hot water systems, to windows, doors and skylights. - Upgrade insulation
A building that is well insulated consumes less energy, which means that less fossil fuel is burned to produce that energy, and the result is a reduction in polluting gases emitted into the atmosphere. - Fix leaks in duct work
A leaky duct system can reduce your home climate control system’s efficiency by 20% to 30%. - Unplug appliances when not in use
Many appliances continue to use electricity even plugged in but not in use. By unplugging your appliances, you can have a big impact on your energy use and your electricity bill. - Recycle!
If every metal, plastic and glass container in the U.S. was recycled, the energy savings (compared to the mining and manufacture of new items) would be equivalent to 53.5 million barrels of oil. - Leave your car at home
Every gallon of gasoline saved keeps 20 pounds of ;carbon dioxide out of the atmosphere. Leaving your car home two days a week can reduce your impact on emissions by 1,590 pounds a year. - Inflate your car tires properly
Your car will get better gas mileage when the tires are fully inflated, thereby using less gas and emitting less carbon. By insuring that your tires are fully inflated, you can save up to 300 pounds of carbon dioxide for every 10,000 miles you drive. - Eat less meat
Livestock farming generates 18% of the planet's greenhouse gas emissions, whereas all of the world's cars, trains, planes and boats account for 13% combined. Much of livestock's contribution to global warming comes from deforestation, as the growing demand for meat results in trees being cut down to make space for pasture or farmland to grow animal feed.
As a Society
- Use less energy.
- Replace fossil fuel with renewable sources.
- Stop cutting down forests and replant trees in former forest lands.
Deforestation is responsible for 1/5 of worldwide CO2 emissions
On the National Stage
- Enact strong climate change legislation.
Defenders of Wildlife supports a two-part national policy response to combating climate change and its impacts. First, Congress must enact legislation that takes immediate steps to reduce greenhouse gas emissions to address the root cause of climate change. Second, this legislation must also include the policy direction and long-term dedicated funding necessary to safeguard wildlife and ecosystems from climate change’s impacts. - Improve forestry practices.
Forestry practices play an important role in climate change. - Support wildlife-friendly renewable energy projects.
The transition to renewable energy must also safeguard our natural resources.
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Beyond Cutting Emissions
