1201
We just hit 1.5 C above per-industrial levels for the first time. (www.abc.net.au)
submitted 3 years ago by to c/world@lemmy.world
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[–] [S] 37 points 3 years ago (54 children)

Is there anything i could/can do to make a difference?

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  • [–] 60 points 3 years ago (31 children)

    Apart from the voting which is above all else, if you REALLY want to do something on an individual basis, you should reduce your meat or become a vegetarian. It seems that's what experts claim has the biggest impact. Apart from that, don't have children, or 2 at most.

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  • [–] 87 points 3 years ago* (4 children)

    There are other things you can do individually as well, like try using the car and AC less, and generally live more frugally.

    But remember that 100 companies make up 71% of all human made carbon emissions. It's good to act locally, but we need global action to stop these companies and their supporters, that means voting for competent government.

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  • [–] 5 points 3 years ago (2 children)

    The bulk of those companies are in the energy business and they respond to consumer demand. Chevron isn’t out there drilling, extracting, refining, and burning oil for no reason.

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  • [–] 2 points 3 years ago

    They will respond faster to heavy regulations/taxation, national policy shifts towards renewable energies, fossil fuel bans and nationalisation/forced liquidation.

    No individual is their primary customer, and doesn't have the negotiating power to affect them, they are effectively Mega corps, and immune even to certain national laws.

    Vote for a government that will affect them, the other meaningful option (for individuals) is sabotage/Eco-terrorism, which isn't really a long-term solution.

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  • [–] 1 point 3 years ago*

    When the parties on offer are various flavours of neoliberalism, as in most capitalist countries these days, it doesn't give you any options that will make a difference quick enough. They simply can't do what needs to be done within that economic framework.

    That said, vote for the least worst one. But the most significant things have to be done outside of that electoral framework, because it can't resist the demands of short-term profit.

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  • [–] 59 points 3 years ago (4 children)

    Please don't have children. Think about the life you're condemning them to.

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  • [–] 29 points 3 years ago (12 children)

    If we don't have children because we care for our planet, we leave the world to those who don't care at all. Not sure if this is the right decision.

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  • [–] 11 points 3 years ago (1 child)

    Honestly, I haven't thought of it like that. I guess that's a decent point. But having more than 2 children, and you are part of the problem.

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  • [–] 3 points 3 years ago

    My family had one kid. So we went from I believe seven grandparents and great aunts and uncles down to one child just within two generations!

    At this rate my family could depopulate the whole planet in no time.

    Also a friend of mine just told me that he met a lady who had 22 siblings so...

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  • [–] 4 points 3 years ago* (3 children)

    Going vegetarian doesn't seem to be the most impactful when you look at the numbers, as per this video. Vegan diets still have the lowest GHG footprint and GWP of all diets.

    That being said, I went vegetarian first before going vegan. So your point is entirely valid.

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  • [–] 4 points 3 years ago (1 child)

    Honestly I wasn't aware the difference is that big. I thought cows were bad mostly for the meat, but apparently milk is at least as bad. 🤥

    That sucks. ☹️

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  • [–] 4 points 3 years ago

    If you want to see what the heck veganism is about compared to vegetarianism, check this resource out.

    But yeah! Leather is also bad for the same reason, contributing to the same industry. There are alternatives out there so don't feel bad!

    One step at a time, like you've mentioned in your other comments.

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  • [–] 41 points 3 years ago (3 children)

    There are no peaceful ways to make a difference. Change my mind.

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  • [–] 28 points 3 years ago

    Honestly, I'm pretty sure the deficit we could create on an individual basis will just be used by companies instead, so I'm just gonna agree with the others on voting being the most effective method of making a difference.

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  • [–] 8 points 3 years ago (2 children)

    As others have said, voting is important. But also I'd guess that direct action will play a large role in the next few decades.

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  • [–] 1 point 3 years ago*

    Some changes people (in the US or elsewhere) might want to check into:

    • See if your local electric utility has Green Power programs where you can elect to have your power come from renewables (via credits) for 2-5% of your bill/month extra
    • If you own a home, consider making switches to more electrified stuff like: induction cookstoves v. natural gas, heat pumps v. AC units, power tools that have batteries and/or cables v. gasoline or diesel, adding solar panels to your roof or property (only costs ~$20k these days), etc.
    • Start moving your pensions or stocks into greener index funds, or even consider adopting banks and credit unions that publicly disclose which projects and companies they invest your dollar in
    • Consider buying your groceries from local farmer's markets or farms that have mail-to-your-door programs (aka CSAs or Community Supported Agriculture programs); this is a good resource to learn more about the farms near you
    • Switch to non-red meat diets, and then after that switch to a vegetarian diet, and then after that switch to a vegan diet (all while consulting health professionals); this is a good resource on vegan diets if anyone is curious
    • Consider choosing a Battery Electric Vehicle (BEV; 100% electric) or a Plug-in Hybrid Electric Vehicle (PHEV; 50/50 electric/gas) as your new car; this resource can steer you in the right direction
    • Vote in primary elections where candidates prioritize climate action, then vote for them again in general elections when the time comes; this is a good resource to stay up on current civic events
    • Buy clothing/shoes used, or if you need to buy new, look for the GOTS and OEKO-TEX labels to make sure what you're buying is organic, is ethical, and doesn't pollute local environments of where your clothes/shoes are made
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