The Citizen's Guide to Climate Success: Overcoming Myths that Hinder Progress

A concise, research-based guide by Mark Jaccard on effective climate actions and policies to overcome myths and drive meaningful change.

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About The Citizen's Guide to Climate Success: Overcoming Myths that Hinder Progress

Sometimes solving climate change seems impossibly complex, and it is hard to know what changes we all can and should make to help. This book offers hope. Drawing on the latest research, Mark Jaccard shows us how to recognize the absolutely essential actions (decarbonizing electricity and transport) and policies (regulations that phase out coal plants and gasoline vehicles, carbon tariffs). Rather than feeling paralyzed and pursuing ineffective efforts, we can all make a few key changes in our lifestyles to reduce emissions, to contribute to the urgently needed affordable energy transition in developed and developing countries. More importantly, Jaccard shows how to distinguish climate-sincere from insincere politicians and increase the chance of electing and sustaining these leaders in power. In combining the personal and the political, The Citizen's Guide to Climate Success offers a clear and simple strategic path to solving the greatest problem of our times. A PDF version of this title is also available as Open Access on Cambridge Core at doi.org/10.1017/9781108783453.

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Climate actions

Steps this helps you take.

Join climate activist groups
Joining 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:)
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.
Pressure politicians to take action
Use this link: https://www.tfca.earth/int#politics
Share Climesumer with a friend
We 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?
Speak up and pressure those in power
Speak 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.
Support local climate strikes
Supporting 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.
Talk about climate action & sustainability with your friends and communities
Sharing 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.