French President Macron's remarks put into video format
1.2 is the new 1.5
The Price of Ignorance
In 2017, General Paul Selva, Joint Chiefs vice chair, stated bluntly that “the dynamics that are happening in our climate will drive uncertainty and will drive conflict.”
Click here to learn about the 1.5 goal and ecosystem restoration.
"Be Part of the Solution"
Ecosystem Restoration Video. 1.5 Degrees Celsius is the Only Goal!
What do YOU think we need to do to save the world?
The most important thing we should be paying attention to regarding the climate is our greenhouse gas emissions, particularly carbon dioxide (CO2). If we could only change one thing, it would be to significantly reduce our carbon footprint. This means transitioning away from fossil fuels towards clean, renewable energy sources, promoting energy efficiency and conservation, and adopting sustainable agricultural practices, among other things. Climate change is largely driven by human activities that release large amounts of CO2 into the atmosphere, such as burning fossil fuels for energy and deforestation. Therefore, reducing our carbon emissions is crucial to mitigating the worst impacts of climate change.
Climate change and new drilling for oil and gas by many nations is a topic that has stirred up a significant amount of controversy, galvanizing debates about the impacts on our ecosystems and the future we cultivate for the generations to come. The question we need to address is: how can we, as ordinary citizens, contribute to halting these activities that lay siege to our planet's health? What tools do we have to influence both our governments and the colossal oil companies?
The first measure that can be taken is to increase public awareness about the environmental damage caused by drilling for oil and gas. Various social platforms can be leveraged for organizing campaigns and online discussions around the main topic - “Climate change and new drilling for oil and gas by many nations". Educated communities are more likely to make informed decisions and incite change.
Promote renewable energy. Shifting our energy consumption towards clean, renewable resources can significantly shake the profitability of drilling businesses, encouraging these industries to evolve along with the public demand.
Investing in clean energy technology is not only a greener choice but also a way to stimulate market competition against fossil fuels. By positioning renewables as a commercially viable alternative, new drilling projects may appear less attractive.
Promoting conscious consumerism can impact the revenue of these companies. A shift in consumer ethos towards environmental friendliness can pressure manufacturers and businesses to reformulate their practices to sustain their customer base.
Public lobbying and advocacy can influence legislation. Through collective action, citizens can push for stricter environmental guidelines on drilling operations and stronger penalties for companies that fail to comply.
Engaging citizen-funded research can be a powerful counter to the influence of big oil on scientific studies. An impartial perspective is critical to unveil the real impacts of oil and gas drilling and substantiate our fight against climate change.
Every vote can help shift the landscape of fossil fuel support. Endorsing political candidates who are committed to countering climate change aligns government policies with public interest.
The importance of personal lifestyle changes shouldn't be understated. Reducing personal oil and gas usage, whether by driving less, minimizing the use of plastics, or improving home energy efficiency, directly curbs the demand for new drilling.
Shareholders play a significant role in the strategic direction of companies. Activist shareholding, a practice of using stock ownership to influence company decisions, can propagate the indispensable revisions within the industry.
The education sector must play a role by integrating environmental studies into their curricula, fostering a future generation of environmentally conscious citizens. We either change or die.
Building local, national, or international coalitions increases the scale of influence against these practices. These coalitions can compel discussions among politicians, CEOs, and other decision-makers.
Consumer boycotts have traditionally been successful in forcing companies to change unsuitable practices. An organised boycott against products made from oil and gas could impact the financial bliss of these corporations, triggering a review of their operations.
Utilizing the power of petitions should not be ignored. A petition with substantial public support can instigate a discussion at governmental levels about the intervention needed in oil and gas drilling operations.
Supporting and financing green initiatives displays public endorsement for cleaner alternatives. This can motivate inventors and entrepreneurs who are pioneering these initiatives.
Another strategy lies in shaping public opinion to pressure insurance companies to withdraw coverage for drilling projects. Such a step can make these projects riskier and less profitable.
The responsibility to change falls not only on individuals but also on corporations. Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) programs which focus on transitioning to green energy can place these corporations at the forefront of environmental preservation.
Using art and literature to spread awareness about the environmental crisis can have a profound impact. These mediums have an uncanny ability to stir emotions and inspire action.
Supporting investigative journalism can expose violations by oil and gas companies. Understanding the scope of these violations can increase public pressure on implementing stricter regulatory frameworks.
Transparency is key. Encouraging businesses and governments to disclose their carbon footprint can spotlight the biggest offenders and push them towards renewable practices.
Increasing the knowledge and understanding of the financial sector about the risks related to oil and gas investments can lead to a reduction of investments in these fields.
Seek legal avenues to challenge new drilling rights. Legal actions can be taken against companies and governments alike that engage in practices with catastrophic consequences for our environment.
Promoting green jobs can showcase that environmental preservation does not equate to economic downfall. Evidence of the opportunity for economic prosperity can sway public and political opinion.
Hosting public debates and lectures on the issue can inform individuals and spur them into action. A well-informed population is undeniably the first line of defense in our fight against climate change.
The ratification of international agreements provides powerful tools to curb oil and gas drilling. Lobbying for climate treaties can urge countries to prioritize ecological balance over profit.
Encourage corporations to visualize the long-term prospects rather than short-term profits. The adverse effects of their operations could eventually become a major financial liability.
Promote land rights of indigenous people as they are often the first line of defense against fossil fuel extraction. Their knowledge about land conservation serves as an effective counter to resource exploitation.
Donating to environmental organizations allows them to continue their invaluable work in combating the threats posed by the oil and gas industry.
Implementing a carbon tax can impact the profitability of fossil fuels and deter new drilling projects. This will also incentivize the use of more carbon-friendly alternatives.
Inculcate environmental ethics among children. Tomorrow's leaders must be made aware of the dire need to break away from the perilous path of fossil fuel reliance.
Promote the use of public transport, biking and walking. This will help reduce the consumption of oil and gas, thereby impacting the need for new drilling.
Banks should be persuaded to stop financing fossil fuel projects. This direct hit at the funds can make it extremely difficult for drilling projects to survive.
To conclude, the ignorance of humanity is shocking, and understanding the environmental implications of our actions can bring about a significant change. We will either become responsible or we’re dead. We have to factor the environmental cost into our decisions and realize that the world does not offer an infinite abundance of resources for us to pillage. Every individual holds the power to challenge the present paradigm and strive for a sustainable future.