Climate change is a significant environmental issue that is affecting every corner of the world. You may see the effects, such as warmer winters, hotter summers and more natural disasters, in your own community. While the problem can feel massive beyond any individual, you can make a difference by organizing in your community. Your city’s agriculture and general comfort depends on the weather, so get others to learn more about climate change in these 5 ways.
Highlight Local Issues
At your next town hall meeting, create a presentation about how climate change directly affects your community. Discuss problems that are affecting the city or town along with its homes and businesses. Point out any extreme weather patterns that are proven to be linked to increased global temperatures. People pay more attention when they know how a problem affects them and their families. You can also discuss the upsides of environmentally friendly practices. Cheaper public transportation, renewable energy, and sustainable farming, as examples, have clear benefits for everyone in the community. Promoting these issues at local meetings can help move the needle on them.
Include as Part of a Broader Environmental Campaign
Include the issue of climate change in a broader environmental campaign about recycling, water conservation, sustainable clothing, etc. You may be a local sponsor for a nationwide campaign like Greenpeace or Sustainability for Life. The next time you send out information, include a small booklet about climate change or a flyer that advertises a climate awareness event. Something as simple as handing out stickers or stationery with the logo of a climate organization will increase awareness of your issue.
Build a Marketing Campaign
Turn to the media to help market your climate awareness agenda. If you’re hosting a one-time event, consider posting an ad in a daily newspaper or monthly newsletter. Pay to promote your ads on websites that are promoted by the city government or local businesses. Consider using TV commercials and radio ads that are more expensive but significantly more effective than newspapers and magazines. Even something as simple as a facebook/twitter page and/or consistent study groups and events can help raise awareness and build momentum.
Address Facts and Myths
As part of your marketing campaign, directly address the facts and myths that surround climate change. Some people believe that it’s not caused by manmade activity, others believe that it doesn’t exist at all and others think that people cannot fix this problem. Talk directly to those people who believe in the myths about global warming or remain confused and lack enough knowledge about the issue. There are a large amount of resources that help simply and clearly explain climate change and debunk myths. Don’t be afraid to lean on a trusted authority to make your point.
Promote Renewable Energy
Renewable energy, produced by the sun, wind or plants, is the main solution to combat climate change. Nonrenewable energy that involves releasing toxic gas into the air is seen as a major contributor of this problem. To make people more aware of the climate, promote the latest ideas and technologies that scientists are using to reduce global warming.
If you want to be safe and comfortable wherever you are, consider how climate change affects day-to-day life. You may feel the effects nearly every time you step outside or see the effects whenever watching the global news. As an environmentally aware person, it’s important to get other people to become more aware of this issue that affects every aspect of your life. The above suggestions are good places to start, but there’s many ways to do this work.
