Read on Twitter
Headlines like this are alarming. They make us feel like the #ClimateEmergengy is too big, and we are too small.
100 companies cause 71% of global emissions! So what can you & I do about it?
Here's 10 cheap & practical steps you can take above the usual micro-actions
THREAD
https://twitter.com/climate/status/1317679890943135745
100 companies cause 71% of global emissions! So what can you & I do about it?
Here's 10 cheap & practical steps you can take above the usual micro-actions
THREAD
https://twitter.com/climate/status/1317679890943135745
1. Move your money! Read the #BankingOnClimateChange report to understand how banks are financing the fossil fuel industry with our money. Investigate if your bank are involved, and if they are, move. @EC_magazine has a helpful guide to better banks. https://www.ran.org/bankingonclimatechange2020/
2. If you've got a pension, move that too. Either to a more ethical provider, or to your provider's sustainable fund if they have one. It's harder to find ethical options, although @EC_magazine also have a guide on this!
2 cont. Opting for a sustainable fund sends a strong message about how you want your money to be used. And switching isn't as hard or complicated as you might think! I used @getpenfold app who managed the whole switch for me. Get £25 with my referral code: https://getpenfold.com/refer/sianconway
3. Insulate your home! (Or pressure your landlord to do it) - you'll reduce energy consumption, feel warm and snug, and save money. Win, win, win!
4. Switch to a renewable energy supplier. Again, switching is easy and likely to save you money!
We use @BulbUK - get £50 with my referral code (it says James W because our account is in my partner's name): http://www.bulb.me/jamesw4056
We use @BulbUK - get £50 with my referral code (it says James W because our account is in my partner's name): http://www.bulb.me/jamesw4056
5. Email your local MP/representative on environmental issues. In the UK use http://theyworkforyou.com to monitor their track record and how they're voting on climate. When an important vote is coming up, write to them beforehand telling them how you'd like to be represented.
5 cont. Write to your local councillors too. What are they doing to support cycling in your town/city? To protect biodiversity? To commit to the climate emergency? To make recycling easier for everyone?
Put the pressure on
Put the pressure on
6. Join a political party with good climate policies. It doesn't cost much, and the voting rights mean you can help shape the leadership of that party. You'll have a chance to get more involved in campaigns and stay up to speed with their latest news. Amplify your voice!
7. Protect biodiversity and precious carbon stores. Tree planting is more popular than ever, but if you want to "offset" your impact, look for programmes that protect existing trees and the carbon they're storing. @StandForTrees is one option I recommend 
8. Fight disinformation! Climate deniers own huge chunks of our media, and what we consume affects our views. Find out more about how social platforms and media outlets are spreading disinformation, and be conscious about what you consume.
8 cont. If you've got access to BBC iPlayer "The Rise of the Murdoch Dynasty" 3 part documentary is well worth a watch - although fair warning, it's pretty dark and left me feeling down.
8 cont. If you're in a position to do so, consider financially supporting independent publications, journalists and writers combatting the disinformation. If you can't do so financially, remember that social shares go a long way too!
9. This one's not for everyone, but consider becoming a shareholder/AGM activist. You can buy shares which give you voting rights at company AGMs. Shareholder activist groups use this to apply pressure on issues like climate change.
9 cont. @ShareActionUK train up AGM activists and have a system where shareholders 'lend' them their shares to give them access to AGMs - so this kind of activism doesn't have to involve financial investing if you want to get involved: https://shareaction.org/agm-activism/
10. Finally, watch your mindset! Headlines are designed to be alarmist to get clicks, but too much negative climate news can trigger our #EcoAnxiety. It actually leaves us feeling powerless and we don't do anything as a result.
10 cont. Trying to do something can be overwhelming, especially if you go down the route of brand boycotts, product switching and all the research that comes with it. Take one area at a time, one action at a time and always ask "how can I maximise my limited impact?"
10 cont. Lots of accounts on here and other socials will focus on talk, not action. Education/awareness is good, but if they're not empowering you to do something about it, are they helping your mental health?
10 cont. Media, politicians & corporations will have you believe it's YOUR responsibility to "vote with your wallet" to combat climate change - while they do the bare minimum. (Even the idea of #CarbonFootprint was invented by @bp_plc) https://mashable.com/feature/carbon-footprint-pr-campaign-sham/?europe=true
10 cont. Meanwhile they set targets for 2050 and beyond with varying degrees of commitment, yet cause the most emissions and environmental damage.
Don't let them push responsibility onto you! Push back!
Don't let them push responsibility onto you! Push back!
10 cont. And don't let them make you believe that the solutions to this #ClimateCrisis don't already exist.
They know exactly what to do to fix it. They're either waiting on someone else to pay, or the political will isn't there (yet) to enforce it.
They know exactly what to do to fix it. They're either waiting on someone else to pay, or the political will isn't there (yet) to enforce it.
10 cont. Invest your time on learning about solutions-focused #ClimateAction 
- it'll make you feel more positive and help you push back to create change.
Here's some good resources to get you started
- it'll make you feel more positive and help you push back to create change.Here's some good resources to get you started
. @ProjectDrawdown researched 100 most feasible and effective climate solutions to decarbonize our atmosphere. Most already exist and *could* be implemented now: https://www.ted.com/talks/chad_frischmann_100_solutions_to_reverse_global_warming?language=en
Fossil fuel companies already know how to decarbonize, they're just waiting for someone else to pay for it: https://www.ted.com/talks/myles_allen_fossil_fuel_companies_know_how_to_stop_global_warming_why_don_t_they/up-next?language=en
. @kissthegroundoc is an inspiring and uplifting documentary about the power of regenerative approaches - I never thought I'd say that a film about soil is one of the best films I've ever seen, but here we are. If you want to feel hopeful, watch this! #KissTheGround
There are so many other things you can do to take #ClimateAction depending on how much time and ££ you have.
But the point is this.
You are a CITIZEN, not just a CONSUMER. That distinction matters: https://armchairactivism.substack.com/p/the-simple-language-switch-that-turned
depending on how much time and ££ you have. But the point is this.
You are a CITIZEN, not just a CONSUMER. That distinction matters: https://armchairactivism.substack.com/p/the-simple-language-switch-that-turned
#Sustainability isn't a luxury, middle-class lifestyle that few can afford. THAT is greenwash marketing trying to cash in on the eco-friendly $$.
#ClimateChange isn't someone else's problem, somewhere else in the world, or sometime in the future.
#ClimateChange isn't someone else's problem, somewhere else in the world, or sometime in the future.
We are small. As individuals we are all living in a biased system where a small minority are profiting from fossil fuel powered destruction. It's frustrating as hell. But it won't change unless we take a stand in ways that they will actually listen to.
That means engaging politically. Learning about the power structured around us. Understanding how the economy works. And standing up, collectively, for doing things a better way.
#DoughnutEconomics by @KateRaworth is a great place to start learning more! Check out @DoughnutEcon
#DoughnutEconomics by @KateRaworth is a great place to start learning more! Check out @DoughnutEcon
