Although comprising a small percentage of the world's population, Indigenous Peoples protect around 80% of the Earth's biodiversity. For many, their traditional knowledge and way of life — often stretching back through centuries or even millennia — exist because of an interdependent relationship with the land.
Finding ways to be more environmentally conscious in our day-to-day choices has become something that many of us are taking more seriously. Climate change is a global concern; how we choose to move forward and embrace sustainability as individuals represents one actionable step we can take.
If you ever needed further proof that fossil fuel industries and world leaders/government representatives don't give a shit about tackling global warming (most notably those that are oil and gas investors); then look no further than the 'carbon bomb' projects they're establishing.
While there are many well publicized ways we can take individual climate action, like reducing single-use plastic; recycling; shopping with reusable tote bags, for example; there are a number of other things we can do to help the environment that may be slightly unexpected.
We've often seen buzzwords like 'carbon footprint', 'offsetting' and 'net zero' used by companies touting their eco-friendly efforts; but what, if anything, does this mean in terms of their climate action? I'll give you a hint; it's not always as beneficial as some would have us believe.
As individuals, we've been urged to do our bit to help combat climate change. By adjusting our everyday habits to use less plastic, reduce food waste and try out cleaner/greener energy, for example; we can become part of the solution. But are these actions enough?
Reducing household waste can seem like an inconvenience or something that requires specialized skills to do effectively. The truth is there are many ways to decrease the amount of refuse we accumulate and throw away that doesn’t require much prior planning or knowledge.
We should all be concerned about the environment and the impact we have that contributes to climate change. Undoubtedly, we must act now and continue to make adjustments in our everyday lives -- but there is an urgent need to motivate our community, corporate and political leaders to take action and defend the planet.
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