Last Update: January 16, 2023, 17:21 IST
It is clear that teen activists like Greta Thunberg have had a significant impact on the climate change discussion. Greta started the weekly “Fridays for Future” strike when she was just 15, and her rise to become a global advocate and one of Time magazine’s most influential people in the world in 2019 is testament to the power of singlehood. Yes, motivated young man. The 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development was proposed by the United Nations General Assembly in 2015, and many young people are the change makers India who are following it. But given its large youth population, can India do more?
Supriya Patil, an environmental expert who works with the nonprofit Grow-Trees.com, offers some ideas on how more kids can get involved in the fight against climate change.
consume and waste less
Reckless consumption creates huge waste and according to a December 2022 report by CNN, India has more than 3,100 landfills, the largest being 65 metres. These landfills release methane gas, a more potent greenhouse gas than carbon dioxide. Buying reusable cups, cutlery, bags and recyclable products and installing compost bins will reduce methane emissions and improve carbon sequestration in the soil. Young shoppers can also patronize thrift stores and speak up for the planet on their social media sites.
plant more trees
Today’s youth should make the most of technology to their advantage and support organizations that enable people to plant trees from the comfort of their homes. Grow-Trees.com is one such organization here which is planting lakhs of trees across India and creating urban forests to improve the poor air quality index. In 2019, Grow-Trees.com also organized environmental awareness and tree plantation programs with the Youth Development Society of Sikkim (YODESS).
Read also: Top 5 Exercises To Help You Stay Fit At Home
support sustainable agriculture
A 2022 article by UNEP describes how sustainable agriculture uses 56 percent less energy and produces 64 percent fewer carbon emissions. Young consumers can support organic farm to table practices, buy local products, learn more about indigenous farming traditions and even create their own community organizations to help reduce food miles. You can also start a kitchen garden. Community gardening projects in urban areas also help improve air and soil quality and nurture micro-climates.
eat more plant based food
A 2014 Oxford University study noted that “people who eat meat are responsible for about twice as much dietary greenhouse-gas emissions per day as vegetarians and about 2.5 times as many emissions as vegetarians.” happens in.” Vegetarians avoid consuming eggs, dairy and any by-products. exploits animals. Vegetarianism is not just a fad, but a conscious choice that can make a huge contribution to the health of the planet. Following a vegetarian diet can also help preserve habitats, prevent animal excreta, and stabilize the oceans as the meat industry pollutes marine ecosystems.
follow energy efficient practices
Youth can take the lead in advocating for energy-efficient practices at their homes, educational institutions and workplaces. This includes switching off lights and fans when not in use, reducing wastage of water, using energy efficient gadgets, installing solar panels etc. Supporting sustainable businesses, investing in green initiatives, and sensitizing others to the need to protect and preserve the environment can also make a difference. A big difference for the good of the planet.
read all Latest Lifestyle News Here
(This story has not been edited by News18 staff and is published from a syndicated news agency feed)