Climate Change is Happening Now — Here’s Eight Things We Can Do To Adapt To It

Climate change is happening now, and will continue for the foreseeable future. Cutting carbon emissions can only slow the change now, not stop it. Knowing this, what can individuals, communities, and governments do to deal with the impacts that are bound to happen? The author outlines a few key things that we can do, on a small scale and more broadly.

Individuals and communities can prepare for disasters at home by putting together emergency kits and working together to plan for disaster situations. Calling legislators and getting involved in local politics to make sure climate change remains a salient issue for policymakers is another way citizens can enact change. And of course, reducing personal carbon footprints to mitigate the amount of carbon released into the atmosphere. 

Governments can invest in climate science, green infrastructure, and green energy, as well as integrate climate change in all policies and processes. The last point mentioned, I think is particularly important:

"Embrace climate action as a means of advancing economic development and social justice. Climate action needs to be about people. When designed with citizens, climate strategies can enhance both the economy and the wellbeing of all, especially those traditionally left behind. Make sure that the most vulnerable are part of identifying and implementing climate solutions."

Climate change is going to be a problem that we live with for a long time, and we will have to fight for positive change in the midst of this difficulty. There are ways that climate action can move us towards a better world, as long as we make the choices that will bring us there.