Forests play an important an important role in climate change. The destruction and degradation of forests contributes to the problem through the release of CO2. But the planting of new forests can help mitigate against climate change by removing CO2 from the atmosphere. Combined with the sun's energy, the captured carbon is converted into trunks, branches, roots and leaves via the process of hotosynthesis. It is stored in this "biomass" until being returned back into the atmosphere, whether through natural processes or human interference, thus completing the carbon cycle.

As the world warms, extreme weather events are becoming more frequent and intense, sea levels are rising, prolonged droughts are putting pressure on food crops, and many animal and plant species are being driven to extinction. It’s hard to imagine what we as individuals can do to resolve a problem of this scale and severity.

1. Get charged up with renewables

The global push for cleaner, healthier energy is on. With costs dropping every day, renewable energy is the best choice for the environment and the economy.

2.Green your commute

The many ways to reduce your transportation emissions will also make you healthier, happier and save you a few bucks. Whenever and wherever you can:

• Take public transit.
• Ride a bike
• Car-share
• Switch to E-Vehicles

3.Use energy wisely —
save money, too!

On a per capita basis, India is one of the top energy consumers in the world! By getting more energy efficient, you’ll pollute less and save money. The small changes you make add up:

• Change to energy-efficient light bulbs
• Unplug computers, TVs and other electronics when you’re not using them.
• Wash clothes in cold or warm (not hot) water.

4.Eat for a climate-stable planet

“Eat food. Not too much. Mostly plants.”

-Michael Pollan

Here are four simple changes you can make to your diet to reduce its climate impact

• Eat meat-free meals.
• Buy organic and local whenever possible.
• Don’t waste food.
• Grow your own.

5.Consume less, waste less,enjoy life more

“We use too much, too much of it is toxic and we don’t share it very well. But that’s not the way things have to be. Together, we can build a society based on better not more, sharing not selfishness, community not division.”
-The Story of Stuff

Focusing on life’s simple pleasures — spending time in nature, being with loved ones and/or making a difference to others — provides more purpose, belonging and happiness than buying and consuming. Sharing, making, fixing, upcycling, repurposing and composting are all good places to start

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Published by Team Serrano

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