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The world’s scientists have not only sounded the alarm on our climate crisis, but have provided some solutions, including some dramatic global shifts that must happen now, if we are to be able to combat the biggest threat to humanity today. Here are 5 of the main ones highlighted this year.
1. A Clean Energy Revolution That Redirects Fossil Fuel Subsidies Is Key
In a report by the Global Subsidies Initiative (GSI), just 10% to 30% of the annual subsidies that go to fossil fuels could pay for a worldwide transition to clean energy.
2. Planting Hemp Fights Deforestation & Saves Water
According to an analysis published in the journal Science, the cheapest way to solve our environmental issues and drive reforestation could be planting loads of hemp trees. Hemp trees require little water and can grow much quicker than other trees – with just US$300 million, 1 trillion of these can be planted!
3. Save The Whales Because They Save Us
These beautiful ocean giants can absorb 33 tonnes of carbon during their lifespan, say marine scientists at the IMF. They also promote phytoplankton growth, which captures as much as 40% of the world’s emissions. Meanwhile, trees absorb around 48 pounds of CO2 annually.
4. Solar Energy To Replace Non-Renewables Would Cut Emissions A Lot
A study revealed that solar power in major Chinese cities is already cheaper than using electricity supplied by the coal-fired national grid. If the entire China switched to solar energy, we could be cutting back on some major emissions.
5. Cutting Food Waste & Going Vegan Really Works
Scientists published a study in the journal Nature Climate Change detailing that if just 1 in 5 of us in richer countries went nearly vegan and disposed one third less food, we could be looking at carbon absorption by 2050 as opposed to global warming.
Lead image courtesy of Freepik.
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