Ideas for individuals fighting climate change

At the Sharm el-Sheikh Climate Change Conference held in Egypt last November, the focus was largely on the issue of climate justice — how nations of the Northern Hemisphere, which have made the major contributions to the crisis, can compensate those in the Southern Hemisphere, which have suffered the most severe consequences.

Drastic floods and droughts in some of these countries reduced agricultural yields to an extent resulting in famines as well as great infrastructure loss. Author and environmentalist Bill McKibben refers to these consequences as “inconsolable loss and overpowering damage.”

The climate continues to heat up. We need to continue our efforts to reverse it. While governments and the private sector have large roles to play, the actions of individuals are significant.

Since transportation produces the largest amount of carbon dioxide, we should drive less (or drive electric) and fly less. We should use public transportation whenever possible.

Eating mostly plants reduces the need for animal agriculture, which involves the production of methane and requires huge amounts of land and water. It leads to deforestation and the release of more carbon dioxide.

Individuals can reduce consumption of manufactured wares, including clothing, home goods, electronic products and plastic in any form.

We should all recycle and compost material as much as we can, but keep in mind the Greenpeace study from November 2022 reporting that only 5% of plastic is ever recycled. Instead of buying products encased in plastic, find them in glass or paper — both are easier to recycle.

Reports show that Wells Fargo, Bank of America, Citibank and Chase (four of our major banks) are the biggest supporters of fossil fuel companies in the world. If you do business with any of these banks, you should consider a change.

— Joyce Crews, Mill Valley