Climate change is real and will have a dramatic effect on the lives of everyone on the planet unless we take action. Governments can and should lead the way by passing strong legislation to combat climate change. If you are very committed to saving the Earth for generations to come, this article brings together ideas that you can use to combat climate change at the local, state, and national levels. As Greta Thunberg said: "I have learned that you are never too small to make a difference."
Steps
Method 1 of 10: Work with the municipality
Step 1. Encourage the municipality to lead through strong environmental laws
Local governments have great latitude to set high environmental standards that can become the blueprint for state and national legislation. Also, locally, you have more opportunities to be heard, especially if you live in a relatively small city.
Get to know your local representatives better. Even in large cities, local representatives have relatively few voters and can work with them on a more personal level
Method 2 of 10: Support climate change education
Step 1. Ask your local school council to include climate change in their curriculum
Legislation to combat climate change is more likely if people understand the science behind it, and this can only happen if it is taught in schools. Start with your local school council to advocate for teaching climate change in science classrooms.
- Most school board meetings are open to the public. Therefore, you can use them as an opportunity to advocate for climate change education.
- Talk to students and parents to get them involved as well. The school board will be more likely to implement those changes if they appear to have broad support.
Method 3 of 10: Talk to local business leaders
Step 1. Involving business makes your voice stronger
For the most part, legislation aimed at combating climate change affects companies to a greater extent than people. The government is more likely to pass legislation on climate change if they have strong business support.
- Focus on how "going green" can ultimately be more profitable than relying on older methods. Talk about how any change that needs to be made is an investment in our future, and will generate greater growth and profitability.
- Don't be afraid to use business jargon if you think it will help you get your point across. Tell business leaders that climate change represents a risk they should plan to avoid, just as they have insurance to protect against other risks.
- Emphasize that the challenge of climate change presents opportunities for smart companies to innovate and succeed.
Method 4 of 10: Write to your state representatives
Step 1. Urge your state representatives to pass legislation on climate change
If the state government is considering climate change legislation, write a letter to your representative and convey that you want him to support it. Highlight the importance of combating climate change and the ways you think legislation will make a difference.
- Many green nonprofits offer free letter scripts that you can use verbatim or adapt to your needs.
- Although no legislation is currently being considered, you can still convey to your state representatives that you support legislation in general to combat climate change.
Method 5 of 10: Campaign for Green Candidates
Step 1. Work to elect candidates who prioritize the fight against climate change
Every time there are elections, find out what each candidate's goals are in terms of environmental policy so that you can choose one to support. Then reach out to their campaign and ask how you can help them get elected.
There are plenty of opportunities for volunteer participation in campaigns, even if it's just a matter of putting up signs or sharing posts on social media
Method 6 of 10: Join non-profit green organizations
Step 1. Nonprofits provide you with resources and help amplify your voice
National and international non-profit organizations often lead the fight to combat climate change. By joining these organizations, you will gain access to information and resources that can help you in your personal struggle.
- It usually costs less than $ 50 a year to join an organization. If you choose to join an organization that engages in political and legal action, the membership fee may not be tax deductible. However, you will help enforce strong and enforceable legislation.
- Research the reputation of an organization before deciding to become a member. You should only join an organization if you fully support its mission.
Method 7 of 10: Make donations to ecological causes
Step 1. Donate money to groups leading the fight to combat climate change
Accompany your words (and your heart) with money by providing monetary support to those who lobby to legislate on climate change. These groups are well established, and have strong legal and lobbying sections, so they can do more than you could on your own.
A reputable organization will tell you exactly what your donation supports. Take a look at the organization using a charity evaluator like Charity Navigator (https://www.charitynavigator.org/) so you know what your money is being used for
Method 8 of 10: Volunteer for Green Efforts
Step 1. Work with nonprofits to advance government action
From the smallest local groups to large national and global organizations, nonprofits depend on volunteers to get their message out. Donating your time can be as valuable as money to help combat climate change.
For example, if you're a student interested in being a writer, lawyer, or politician, you could volunteer for Citizens for a Livable Climate. As a volunteer for this organization, you can help write bills and articles for publication
Method 9 of 10: Participate in protests and demonstrations
Step 1. Take to the streets with other activists to make your voice heard
A wave of activists is sending the message to lawmakers that their help is needed to combat climate change. By actively protesting, you can let the government and the world know your opinion and how important this issue is to you.
If you don't like large crowds, there are still ways you can support those participating in local protests or rallies. For example, if you are an artist, you could volunteer to make signs. You could also set up a booth to provide water and snacks for protesters
Method 10 of 10: Petition your congressional representatives
Step 1. Ask your congressional representatives to support climate change legislation
If a bill is going to be debated in the Senate or its equivalent where you live, take action immediately to call or write the representatives and tell them that you want them to support it. Even if there is no legislation on climate change that will be considered immediately, you can still call or write to your congressional representatives and let them know that you support actions to combat climate change.