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Climate actions49

The most effective climate actions, curated and enriched with resources to complete them.

Not all climate actions are equal. These are ranked by how much they actually reduce emissions, with an effort rating so you can start where it fits your life — and every action links to the products, companies and resources you need to complete it.

Start here — highest impact

Switch to a renewable energy provider at home

The phase out of fossil fuels is a key requirement for a sustainable and liveable future. You can accelerate that transition and send the right market signal, buy switching to a renewable energy provider at home. Renewable energy mainly comes from wind, solar, hydro or bioenergy. Some people are concerned about the the impact on nature with renewable energy. However the numbers couldn't be clearer. Renewable energy are better for biodiversity, cause less deaths both for humans and animals, produce cleaner air, and have less GHG emissions with is key towards a net zero, low-carbon world.

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Switch to a sustainable bank

Choosing a sustainable bank means that your money is doing good and supports the causes you care about while you are asleep. Legacy banks use your money to finance planetary destruction by lending money to evil industries like the fossil fuel, meat and dairy, or weapon industry. Sustainable banks only invest in industries that make the planet and our societies thrive. They invest in renewable energy and other impact industries. Switching your bank is one of the most impactful and easiest climate actions available, that most people don't have on their radar.

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Vote a climate-first party in the next election

Voting is one of the most effective (climate) actions for people in democracies and it's super simple too. Climate-focused parties will try to renew the economy into a low-carbon, sustainable and just world for everyone! Sometimes it can feel that these parties want to "take something away" from people. The truth is, they follow the scientific consensus and try to find ways to avoid the worst effects of climate change (which will derail the global economy and life as we know it if we don't act). When you look closely, many of the sustainable alternatives needed for a sustainable and just world like electric cars, great public transport everywhere, long-distance high-speed trains, heat pumps or even bike friendly cities will improve the life for everyone. Just and fair also means that these changes are made step by step and with low income households and rural areas in mind. They will most likely get more support. Please use your political voice to bring about a sustainable and just world.

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Matching climate actions

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Recycle and sort your waste correctly

Many people are not separating and recycling correctly. Even though much of the plastic is being burned and called "recycling" it makes a difference. Always separate the different materials from each other. For example remove the paper and the aluminum lid from the plastic yoghurt cup (even if they go into the same bin) and sort your waste into the correct bins. This makes it easier for the machines in the recycling facilities to identify and sort the waste correctly and therefore increases recycling rates and material recovery. Check local recycling guidelines to learn how your bins work.

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Frequently asked questions

What is the most effective climate action for an individual?

Switching where your money sits (bank, pension, investments) and moving your home to a renewable energy provider consistently top the list: both are one-off decisions with a large, lasting emissions effect. Flying less and eating more plant-based follow close behind.

How are impact and effort rated?

Impact is rated 1 to 5 based on the emissions avoided per year, effort 1 to 5 on how much time, money and habit change the action needs. High impact with low effort is where we suggest starting.

Does individual climate action even matter?

Yes — both directly and through the market and political signal it sends. Individual choices shift demand, and demand shifts what companies build and what governments dare to regulate.

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