Changing Mindset to Combat Climate Change

by Devang Ajith, Grade 8

Climate change has become a much bigger problem now than when it was initially identified. Over the years, many problems have contributed to the increase of global warming and thus to climate change. It is the biggest threat faced by this generation resulting in a future where the earth is uninhabitable. Especially at this time of the pandemic, it matters what we can do from our own homes.

Energy conservation is one of the most important things we can take care of. We can reduce the carbon footprint by making small changes in our lifestyle which can contribute to a better environment. We burn fossil fuels for energy to be used for heating, electricity, transport and industries. We can switch to green power (windmill power, solar power etc.) that will considerably reduce carbon emissions.

By switching to green electricity, we reduce the burning of fossil fuels and save energy. We can convince our parents to power our homes with renewable energy such as solar panels. We could change to energy-efficient appliances in our homes, such as refrigerators with energy efficiency level star ratings and can conserve energy. We could replace the old type of bulbs with the energy-efficient LED lights which use way less power. We can try to reduce eating meat products and dairy, since processing of these food items takes a lot of energy. Other means to save energy is by unplugging devices from electrical outlets when not in use.

You may find it amusing, but since we all are in online learning, we could use search engines which are environment friendly. All the searches we make need data processing and these data are processed in huge data centers across the world which are powered and use a high amount of energy. Search engines like Ecosia, plant a tree for every 27 searches and by opting to use Ecosia for our searches, we contribute to reforestation sitting in our own homes.

For transportation, the best sustainable mode is hands down the bicycle, especially in cities. This pedal-powered vehicle can be faster than most vehicles in cities like cars and buses. Cycling is a whole lot of fun, by which you could find some new routes to different places or just feel the nature, while not harming the environment.

So, by reducing conventional energy use, reforestation and opting for lifestyles which don't harm the environment, we could join the fight against climate change. Some of the above-mentioned topics may raise your eyebrows and some may bring a smile. But as the younger generation of this world, let’s reflect and bring a change in our mindset to live more environmentally friendly and contribute in various ways to combat climate change.