We know what to do to fight climate change. We just need the people in charge to make it a priority.

We humans are causing climate change, so that means we can stop it, too. But it’s such a huge problem that only governments and businesses can make the big, worldwide changes that are necessary. Unfortunately, these changes often get put off or happen too slowly. But the good news is that we know what to do to fix the problem and there are lots of people working on it! Here are some of the many ways to reduce greenhouse gases.

PROTECT FORESTS

Nature can help us fight climate change—IF we let it. Forests, especially huge ones such as the Amazon rainforest in South America, naturally clean the air by absorbing CO2 and storing it. But we must stop cutting down too many trees. And those we do cut down, we should replace.

CHANGE HOW WE TRAVEL

If more people took buses and trains to work and school, fewer cars would be on the road releasing CO2 into the air. And if more cars were electric, running with batteries instead of gasoline, fewer greenhouse gases would be released. It’s true that batteries are charged by electricity that often comes from power plants powered by fossil fuels. But overall, electric vehicles produce less greenhouse-gas pollution than gas-powered cars do. And eventually, their batteries may even be charged by energy from the sun or wind.

USE CLEAN ENERGY

We could greatly cut back on the fossil fuels we burned if we powered our homes, cars, and factories with different types of energy.
• Solar power uses energy given off by the sun’s rays. Solar panels absorb the energy and turn it into electricity.
• Wind energy turns blades on giant windmills to create power.
• Geothermal energy uses heat brought up from below the Earth’s surface.
• Hydropower is created from moving water.

EAT GREEN

You probably hear adults telling kids to eat their fruits and vegetables. They are good for your health! But did you know that eating more plant-based food is good for the Earth’s health, too? Producing meat creates a lot more greenhouse gases than growing fruits and vegetables. Why not make a pledge to have “meatless Mondays” in your family? Pass the carrots, please!

WHAT YOU CAN DO TODAY

1. Use Less Electricity: Switch lights off and unplug appliances when not in use.

2. Eat Local: Choose food that doesn’t need to be shipped a long way by trucks or boats using fossil fuels.

3. Walk or Bike: When you can, use your own energy to get places.

4. Don’t Buy Junk: Many things you buy in the store are made in factories that use fossil fuels. Buy only what you need.

5. Don’t Waste Food: Food waste rotting in landfills produces methane, a greenhouse gas. Try to buy and cook only what you eat.

6. Plant a Tree: Arbor Day is on April 25 this year. It’s a national holiday that recognizes the importance of trees. There are often tree-planting events at that time—ask your parents to help you find one!

7. Start or Join an Environmental Club: Many schools have kid-run groups that recycle trash, compost food, and do lots of other environmentally friendly things. If your school doesn’t, start one!

8. Make Your Voice Heard: Elected leaders in the U.S. Congress and in your state and local governments have a lot of power to help (or hurt) the planet. Ask your parents to help you find their contact information. Then email, call, or write a letter telling them how important fighting climate change is!