Climate change is a complex biophysical phenomenon with profound implications for human civilization and life on the planet. As a country accustomed to natural climatic variability, there is a tendency to think that we have seen it all before. Present day climate change is different. This is the first time that human beings have interfered with basic natural cycles such as the energy cycle and the water cycle that have kept the planet in equilibrium for millenia. Carbon dioxide levels are now at their highest in 650,000 years  – largely as a result of  carbon released from fossil fuels such as coal, oil and gas since the advent of the industrial revolution in the 1700s.

At present rates of increase of emissions, scientists project that the world is heading to a 4 degrees Celsius rise by the end of the century. The rapidity of this temperature rise not only spells doom for wildlife and sea creatures, but also significant stress on everything from human health to livelihood security and economic development. It also increases the risk of tipping points being reached that could propel the world into runaway climate change.

These apocalyptic visions are not fairy stories. Scientists remind us that we face a grim and unpredictable future if we follow business as usual. But there is much we can and must do to avert the worst and lay the base for prosperous, equitable and sustainable societies.

There is much that YOU can do.

Addressing climate change means small, medium and big actions. We can act in the full range of roles that we occupy – as workers,  students, consumers, investors, educators, entrepreneurs and as citizens. And we can act in all of our spheres of influence – our homes, schools, workplaces and in public life.

We can all work to get out the message that climate change is real, it is happening and we need to take action now to address it.

The following are just some actions that we can take in our everyday lives. But remember, we are more than just consumers, climate change is arguably the most fundamental economic issue of our time. Our leaders need regular reminding from us as citizens that we will support courageous action on climate change to avert risk into opportunity.

So, don’t forget that your local MLA and MP also needs to hear from you and benefit from your energy and ideas! …

Here are just a few ideas for what you can do to reduce just one area of climate risk – your carbon footprint:

We use energy for just about anything we do – every time we use electricity and appliances, drive or move around in a vehicle, or throw garbage. Using energy releases greenhouse gases into the atmosphere – measured by a carbon footprint.

If you’re up to for the challenge, you can start by measuring what your emissions amount to. If you live in urban areas, use a car or bike to move around and have appliances like a refrigerator and a washing machine, chances are that your per capita emissions are higher than the average Indians’ emission of 1.3 tonnes of CO2e per person per year.

Use a carbon calculator, preferably one designed for the Indian subcontinent (since we don’t measure petroleum in gallons, distances in miles, or have EU or US car specifications). Whether you are an individual, a big organization or a school, it helps to know how much you emit, so that you can see where the big chunks of emissions come from, and whether you can take steps to address it in the future.

If you want to raise the bar, you can eventually aim to go carbon neutral (making the amount of emissions you remove equal to the amount of emissions you put into the atmosphere), or better that by going carbon positive (remove more greenhouse gases than you put into the atmosphere).

Admittedly, if you are an individual, it is easier to make some lifestyle choices that can reduce your carbon footprint. By implementing energy saving practices in your home, you can save energy and reduce your electricity bills at the same time.

• Switch on lights and appliances only when required
• Plug out all appliances at night because they continue to consume power even when in stand by mode
• Replace all incandescent (classical Edison bulbs) with energy efficient CFLs and LEDs
• When you buy a new fridge, air conditioner or washing machine, make sure you check for the BEE energy star labels – 5 stars denotes maximum energy efficiency
• Get appliances serviced regularly, and your lights dust-free
• Refrain from buying bottled water – carry your own bottle
• Pay your bills online – its convenient too!
• Take bucket baths, not power showers
• Run your washing machine on full-load
• Wash your car with one small bucket of water – not a running pipe
• At work, print less, on two-sides, and quick quality when its for rough/ personal use
• Car pool to work or use the bus
• Ask to work from home once or twice a week
• Ask for the office air conditioner to be kept at 24 degrees C rather than 18 or 22

You can see that measuring your footprint before you set out to do these activities, and monitoring it while or after you carry out your plans, lets you assess how effective your good intentions were, and what you can change, or what more you can do.

If you are an organization or an institution, it is harder but not impossible, to reduce your carbon footprint. But doing this makes business sense too. While some companies are already profiting from energy efficiency improvements, others are positioning themselves to be the leaders in low-carbon technologies. That is exactly why corporations around the world are developing carbon management strategies and investing in low-carbon technologies, practices and supply chain management. But remember, successful low-carbon transitioning requires effective strategy with timely practical interventions and monitoring performance.