Lesson 4: Individual Action
The power of individual action and who should fix it.
In this course, learners will explore sustainable alternatives to products in different categories, such as food, transportation, and housing. They will learn about the environmental impacts of different products and ways to make more sustainable choices. The course will also highlight examples of businesses that are leading the way in sustainable product design and production.
Complementary resources
Explore the material behind this lesson, or go deeper. These resources are optional.
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What to do with this
All 8 actions for this lesson. Open an action to explore its tools, products and companies. Actions are ordered by impact rating.
Start here
Political
ImpactEffortJoining a climate activist group is one of the most effective climate actions. Unlike voting for climate-focused parties, climate activist groups try to accelerate political action by putting pressure on leaders. Sometimes it can feel that climate activist groups 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 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. There are multiple activism groups to choose from. Some try to disrupt the status quo, some create momentum via political advocacy campaigns or referenda and others try to increase dialogue or try to advance climate solutions on a community level, many have a specific focus like mobility or climate action. ALL of the groups are useful and move the needle in important ways. Choose your pick:)
Political
ImpactEffortVoting 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.
Community
ImpactEffortExpand your impact by inviting a friend to join the Climate Guide. Together, you can learn, act, and make a significant difference in tackling climate change. The more people we reach and involve in climate action, the greater the collective impact. Your invitation could set off a ripple effect of change.
Political
ImpactEffortUse this link: https://www.tfca.earth/int#politics
Community
ImpactEffortWe hope that you find Climesumer valuable and that it helps you in your climate action journey. If so, please share this website with people you think need this. This way you support us, and increase your impact. Imagine everyone using this platform would share this with three additional people. How fast could we create impact?
Political
ImpactEffortSpeak up and get others to join in taking action. It's one of the quickest and most effective ways to make a difference. Talk to your neighbors, colleagues, friends, and family. Let business owners know you support bold changes. Appeal to local and world leaders to act now. Climate action is a task for all of us. And it concerns all of us. No one can do it all alone – but we can do it together.
Political
ImpactEffortSupporting local climate strikes is a low hanging fruit to start your climate activist journey. In 2019 Fridays for future strikes increased global awareness of climate change, pressured governments to act, empowered youth activism, influenced climate policies, and created a worldwide movement for climate action. Even though it feels like it has died down a bit, it is more important than ever, and the activism forms have evolved. It is also a great way to meet other climate-concerned individuals.
Community
ImpactEffortSharing your sustainability and climate action journey is very powerful. Studies show that when one home installs solar panels, their direct neighbours are more likely to also install solar panels. Especially people that trust you are likely to adopt habits and practices of you and vice versa. This is huge. Simply share your positive experiences with sustainable alternatives, your struggle and fear about the climate crisis. No need to directly convince people. Sharing your feelings and positive stories is often enough to spark action in others.
Reflection
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