The IPCC has Declared Code Red: Here Are Ways You Can Help the Environment Today

Aug 12

The race is on to reduce global emissions by half in the next ten years. Here’s how you can help play your part.

Over the last few months, countries across the globe have been battered by the devastating effects of the climate crisis from the deadly fires in the U.S. to extreme flooding in Europe. In the midst of all of this, the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) report declared a "code red for humanity", urging us to join forces to avert climate catastrophe now before it’s too late.

While the scale of the problem might seem overwhelming, there are things that we can all do here and now to reduce our impact on the planet, all while fighting for governments to take the drastic action so desperately needed.

Demand Immediate Action from Governments

Yes, individual action is important. But before you take the weight of the world on your shoulders, remember that the climate crisis is a global issue - one that we must fight collectively.

As highlighted in the IPCC report, governments must take urgent action if we are to stabilise below the crucial 2℃ mark. To cut greenhouse gas emissions, huge political decisions are needed, not just to slow-down the climate crisis, but to reverse it.

As governments prepare for COP26, the 2021 UN Climate Change Conference, demand that governments take immediate action to make the crucial changes needed to save our planet. If you’re in the U.S., you can contact Congress here.

Another way for your voice to be heard in the political sphere, is to vote for the representatives who are committed to fighting the climate crisis. There are tools available, like the League of Conservation Voters National Environmental Scorecard, which tracks all elected officials' votes on environmental issues.

Eat More Plants

Did you know that farming animals for food plays a huge role in land and water degradation, deforestation, and biodiversity loss, and is responsible for more greenhouse gases than the world’s transportation systems combined?

The devastating effect that animal agriculture is having on our planet is leading wildlife experts and climate change campaigners - from Greta Thunberg to David Attenborough - to urge us all to reconsider our habits and diets to help prevent climate catastrophe.

In fact, a global shift towards a vegan diet is necessary to combat the worst effects of the climate crisis, according to the United Nations, and research from the University of Oxford shows that going vegan is the “single biggest way” to reduce your impact on the planet.

In 2021, switching to a vegan diet is easier than ever - there are vegan versions of almost everything, from plant-based bacon to dairy-free cheese, and more and more restaurants are offering delicious vegan options.

Species Unite offer a free, 30 Day Vegan Challenge to make your vegan journey as simple as can be. Over the 30 days, we’ll send tips, recipes and inspiration to your inbox to get you started on your way.

Start Conversations

Talking to friends, family and colleagues is so important when it comes to raising awareness and encouraging others to take action for the environment.

When guests at a restaurant in the U.S. were told that 30% of Americans had cut down on their animal product intake, they were twice as likely to order a meat-free dish, according to a study.

To help foster meaningful discussions around animals and the environment, Species Unite is encouraging people to host a Vegan Night and bring your friends or family together to share a plant-based meal.

To help those hosting a Vegan Night, Species Unite is also offering a free downloadable plant-based dinner host guide, which is packed with recipes, movies, top tips and more.

Download the UN’s ActNow App

ActNow is the United Nations campaign for individual action on climate change and sustainability. As part of their campaign, they have created an interactive, easy-to-use app to engage people in learning about sustainable lifestyles and making choices that are less harmful to the planet, such as driving less, flying less, saving energy at home, eating more plant-based meals, cutting food waste, buying local produce, and repairing and reusing clothes and electronics.

“While bold, wide-ranging action to address the climate crisis needs to be taken by governments and businesses, people have the power to influence change. Individuals everywhere want to be part of the solution and are taking steps to make a difference,” said Martina Donlon, ActNow campaign manager. You can find the app here.

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