As we approach the UN Climate Summit at the end of October in Glasgow, I wanted to make sure my posts are regularly touching on climate change. Usually I write two thirds of my posts about books and TV and one third about environmental issues. However, right now it is my mission to keep the global warming discussion going.
Bloggers get very excited about Halloween and Christmas but I hope the blogging community can also get involved in heightening knowledge about the climate. This conference will be an important opportunity for world leaders to be proactive about implementing real changes.
It is promising that President Biden seems to take the subject much more seriously than Trump and Boris is giving it more air time. There is still so much that needs doing to reverse the effects of pollution around the planet and only continued pressure will keep it prominent amidst a backdrop of other problems.
Why Care?
As a geographer I studied environmental transport management at University and there was a good knowledge within academic circles of what climate change meant. Predictions were made about the speed at which temperatures would raise by one degree, but now we are starting to see signs that this rate is increasing much faster, particularly around the north pole.
There are lots of mixed messages about global warming and I can see many articles about small changes that people can make. Sadly, the reality is that we need massive institutional changes. Big businesses and governments need to implement new policies and procedures NOW.
Here are some things that need dealing with urgently:
1) Rainforests need protecting, even if it means richer nations funding countries like Brazil to preserve these delicate ecosystems. If money can stop poorer countries deforesting, then so be it.
2) Incentives need to be provided to use public transport and move away from using aeroplanes so readily. Good rail and bus systems should be funded and supported so that less road and air pollution is created. Meetings should be over Zoom as much as possible, rather than journeys between nations for the sake of get togethers which could be managed online.
3) The infrastructure for electric vehicles should be boosted nationally so as to quicken up the move away from petrol and diesel.
4) Environmental Education should be compulsory in all school settings. Young people need to understand the effects of climate change and what we can do to change course. My previous article about this is here.
5) We need to change the way we think about clothing. So much energy is used in the manufacture and transportation of clothes. Fast fashion needs to end and we need to promote and encourage reusing and fixing clothes rather than changing our wardrobes every season.
Hopefully you have enjoyed this post and it has prompted some thoughts. Please comment below and consider reblogging this and other similar articles, especially during this period leading up to the Glasgow Summit.
Yes I agree environmental education needs to be part of the National curriculum
Cool. Yes we need to make it happen.
The problem with these climate summits is that they’re all talk and no action, and they’ll talk us into climate oblivion
very nice post… Using public transport and reusing and fixing clothes are very thoughtful points. I try to fix our clothes whenever possible 🙂
What a passionate post! I agree that we need to make changes. We have a responsibility to care for the world that provides so much for us. Environmental education in school is a great way to help shape the new generation. I also completely agree with you that fast fashion needs to stop! Fast/throw away furniture, etc. It’s time to change!
Thanks for commenting.
That’s pretty scary. Thank you for educating me on climate change. The rainforest is so pretty, I would hate to see it go one day.
Yes it does such a valuable job.
This is a very interesting read Jamie! I think as you said it’s not only in our small that we need to change, but on the overall system. Though I wouldn’t take away the importance of doing even small changes. As everyone fears, is that talks are huge mostly now, but not many changes are being brought on. I completely agree that we should study environmental education in school.
I appreciate that. I love your blog and know you care about these issues too.
Informative post!!! I agree, we need to make changes. We should start at home, Teach our children better ways. Live by example
Change definitely needs to happen but I see all the lobbying Big Oil does and how they get a seat at the table of these climate summits and use their incredible leverage to make sure policies made are in their favour. I hope that leaders actually finally start to stand up to them as they are the ones driving climate distruction. Thanks for adding your voice to this cause!
I love this!! We all need to spend more time helping our environment and need to change. Even the smallest change from one person can help! I always try to remind people to recycle and although it has taken many attempts, I see change! One person can make a difference!!
https://whereintheworldismaria.com
Very important post, thanks for sharing. I definitely think utilizing online tools rather than driving/travelling by planes is a great idea.
Thanks for commenting.
We really are at the tipping point. I hope we can turn things around. It will take massive action. I’d love to see a move completely away from fossil fuel and a full embrace of renewables.
For sure. Thanks
We all are in this together. I agree with your suggestions, but just giving money to nations will not solve the problem entirely. To motivate them, reimbursement of some kind for those nations, communities, and countries in exchange for saving the planet.
Thanks for sharing a needed article.
Such a relevant topic. I like the points about what needs to happen to help and I agree there is so much information out there, people get confused.
Lately, I’m liking the sound of sustainable clothing & I’ve even seen a section in Primark. Obviously more needs to be done.
Education in schools is a must. I know young people are very concerned about the issue & they should be involved in solving it.
Yes but sadly it isn’t taught as a subject and unless a teacher has a particular interest in it.
A good post on climate. Thank you 🌍