“There’s no one single thing that everyone can refrain from doing that will save the planet,” says Yuri Tsitrinbaum, cofounder of Israeli climate-tech startup Bomvento. 

“If we want to curb emissions, we need to do our best to avoid using energy from fossil fuels within the constraints and demands of our individual lives, and pressure companies we buy from to adopt efficient decarbonization strategies,” he says.

“While personal choices like shifting away from meat consumption, reducing air travel, and adopting more sustainable practices can have a positive impact, they must be complemented by broader systemic changes and technological innovations,” he adds.

Can carbon capture techs reverse climate change, or is it too late?

In the dystopian sci-fi film Snowpiercer, scientists attempting to reverse climate change inject a substance into the atmosphere. It’s intended to blunt the sun’s rays, reducing temperatures and wild weather events on Earth. But the tech backfires and Earth freezes over. Eventually, everyone on the planet dies, except for those on the eponymous Snowpiercer, a futuristic train that circles the globe continually.

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How can we step up to this huge challenge? Tsitrinbaum suggests six individual actions that make a difference.

1. Reduce consumption

Consuming less is one of the most effective ways to lower personal emissions. This includes buying fewer material goods, reducing meat consumption and minimizing food waste.

2. Switch to low-carbon alternatives

Whenever possible, opt for low-carbon alternatives. This could involve using public transportation instead of driving, choosing renewable energy sources over fossil fuels and selecting locally sourced food over imported products.

3. Energy efficiency

Implement energy-efficient practices at home, such as using LED lighting, properly insulating buildings and upgrading to energy-efficient appliances.

4. Support renewable energy

Consider installing solar panels on your property or supporting community renewable energy initiatives.

5. Reduce single-use plastics

Minimize the use of single-use plastics by opting for reusable bags, bottles and containers.

6. Advocate for change

Engage in advocacy efforts to encourage government and corporate actions that promote sustainability and combat climate change.