Are We Doomed?

  Woof, we are in for a big one this week! I see so much doom and gloom all over socials so I thought let’s just face this bad boy head-on. While this is a complex topic and one I could write about forever, let’s just dip our toes into the water and relieve some of that eco anxiety.

👀 It’s a Big Task  

We haven’t been treating our planet very, well… kindly for the past 50+ years which has led us to the problems we’re in now. Reversing climate change is a monumental task that requires concerted global efforts across multiple fronts. While it may seem daunting, there are pathways to mitigate its effects and eventually reverse its course. One key strategy is transitioning away from fossil fuels to renewable energy sources such as solar, wind, and hydroelectric power. Did you know if we electrify (go renewable) our entire grid, we will cut global emissions by 70%? Wild I know! By reducing greenhouse gas emissions from burning fossil fuels, we can slow down the rate of global warming and give ecosystems a chance to recover. It just goes to show how one switch in our way of living can have huge effects on our current climate crisis.

♻️ Carbon Sinks

Another crucial aspect is the conservation and restoration of natural carbon sinks like forests, wetlands, and oceans. These ecosystems absorb carbon dioxide from the atmosphere, helping to offset human emissions. Protecting existing forests from deforestation and reforesting degraded lands can significantly increase their capacity to sequester carbon. Additionally, investing in sustainable agricultural practices and restoring degraded soils can enhance carbon storage in the ground.

🤓 Innovation

Advancements in technology and innovation play a pivotal role in combating climate change. From carbon capture and storage technologies to more efficient energy systems, compostable plastics and seeds that require less water, technological solutions can help us reduce emissions and adapt to the changing climate. Investing in research and development, as well as fostering international collaboration, is essential for accelerating the deployment of these solutions. While reversing climate change may not happen overnight, taking decisive action now can steer us toward a more sustainable and resilient future.

There are so many amazing initiatives occurring globally right now to help combat our looming climate problems. So I don’t want anyone to lose hope, we’ve got this and if we keep pushing as individuals we can drive systemic change.

Sustainable Living Tips

To continue our positive climate outlook and to help governments see that we want change, try incorporating these three sustainable living tips into your life:

🧚🏼‍♂️ Reduce Your Waste: Did you know reducing our waste can help curb 35% of carbon emissions? Adopting a lower-waste lifestyle involves minimising waste generation by reducing, reusing, and recycling. This goes beyond just recycling household items; it involves a mindset shift to avoid single-use plastics and disposable products altogether. Embracing reusable alternatives such as cloth bags, stainless steel straws, and refillable containers can significantly reduce the amount of waste we generate. Additionally, composting organic waste can divert it from landfills and contribute to nutrient-rich soil for gardening.

👩🏽‍🌾 Community-supported agriculture (CSA): Joining a CSA program connects individuals directly with local farmers, reducing the carbon footprint associated with food transportation and supporting sustainable agricultural practices. By subscribing to a CSA, members receive a weekly or monthly share of fresh, seasonal produce grown in their region. This promotes biodiversity, reduces reliance on industrial agriculture, and fosters a sense of community. Some CSAs also offer opportunities for members to volunteer on the farm, further engaging them in the food production process.

✨ Minimalist living: Embracing minimalism involves simplifying one's lifestyle by prioritising experiences over material possessions and decluttering unnecessary belongings. By consuming less, individuals can reduce their ecological footprint and conserve resources. Minimalist living encourages mindful consumption and promotes the longevity of products through repair and maintenance, rather than constant replacement. Additionally, it can lead to financial savings and a greater sense of fulfilment by focusing on meaningful experiences and relationships rather than material accumulation.

ThredUp

Omg I’m obsessed with this thrift store. There is this amazing function that allows you to look up pieces in a photo, so you can pull cute outfits off of Pinterest or IG, plug them into the site and then it will pull any thrifted items to match. So cool!!

🎈 Florida is planning on banning balloon releases.

🐮 Waitrose will support British Farmers move to regenerative farming practises

💦 California’s groundwater level rose in 2023 for the first time in four years!