Climate Watch: Saving the world while sheltering in place

Who could’ve imagined a global crisis larger than climate change? But here we are sheltering in place to curtail a virus. How can we overcome our biggest challenges even though we’re sequestered at home, like climate change, and other environmental and humanitarian causes challenges that haven’t evaporated along with our day-to-day lives? Good news: there’s much that we can do from our couch and kitchens. Here are some ideas:

1. Work on climate change

The revenue-neutral Energy Innovation and Carbon Dividend Act, or H.R.763 allocates fees collected on carbon emissions at the source and distributes them to all Americans. It’ll reduce greenhouse gas emissions by approximately 40% in the first 12 years as it boosts the economy, acutely needed to withstand this pandemic. This one policy can create 2 million jobs, essentially injecting our sinking economy with jet fuel. The government does not keep the money. Dividends are funneled straight into the pockets of American consumers to spend.

A growing number of representatives support this bipartisan solution, reflecting the will of most Americans who favor Congressional action on climate change, including more than half of Republicans.

Climate change is too urgent to forget, or get caught in partisan politics. Write or call members of Congress to urge their support of H.R. 763. Join Citizens Climate Lobby, an organization focused solely on this one policy as the most immediate, effective tool we have. Their consistently respectful, nonpartisan approach is designed to create a broad foundation for climate action across all geographic regions and political inclinations. Joining them is the easiest way to educate ourselves on the climate change solutions available.

2. Consider your food: Eat a plant-strong diet and don’t waste

Food production makes a big impact on global warming according to much research including Project Drawdown, and choosing a plant-based diet alongside eliminating wasted food can reduce your personal carbon footprint more than other habits: more than buying local, giving up a car, or even recycling. Eating beans, vegetables, fruits, whole grains, tubers (like potatoes), mushrooms, nuts and seeds is not only good for us, but good for the planet.

Thirty percent of food produced is wasted globally. Americans waste around 40%. That’s food using up precious land, soil, water, and fuel, with the biggest demand on resources coming from animal foods; then processed foods. Wasted food mostly ends up in landfills, generating large quantities of methane, a potent greenhouse gas.

3. Start a garden, indoors or out

Your body needs green veggies now more than ever to fight effects of viruses that we may contract. We can grow these, the healthiest of foods, even without garden space, any time of the year, in just a few days! Start a kitchen garden in a jar with sprouting seeds, or a container garden with lettuce seeds. Or a small, square foot garden outside can produce sizable harvest. Sprouts and greens are packed with antioxidants that fight bacteria and viruses, and boost immunity.

4. Fight hunger

Local food redistribution programs may need assistance in this challenging time. For instance, school nutrition programs have been stymied with school closings. Volunteers are needed; maybe from the safety of your car or home. Take this time to find your contribution avenue, both locally and globally.

5. Practice cooperation

Like global warming, viruses know no boundaries. We are all in these worldwide challenges together. Now’s the time to practice skills of cooperation and diplomacy, and figure out how to work together to overcome global crises. Start at home. Start now, and keep busy with meaningful work that’ll aid us all when we pick up the task of survival on the other side.