Is it possible to prevent global warming

Scientists are also working on ways to sustainably produce hydrogen, most of which is currently derived from natural gas, to feed zero-emission fuel cells for transportation and electricity. Other efforts are aimed at building better batteries to store renewable energy; engineering a smarter electric grid; and capturing carbon dioxide from power plants and other sources with the goal of storing it underground or turning it into valuable products such as gasoline.

Some people argue that nuclear power—despite concerns over safety, water use, and toxic waste—should also be part of the solution, because nuclear plants don't contribute any direct air pollution while operating. While halting new greenhouse gas emissions is critical, scientists have also emphasized that we need to extract existing carbon dioxide from the atmosphere.

An iceberg melts in the waters off Antarctica. Climate change has accelerated the rate of ice loss across the continent. But planting trees, restoring seagrasses, and boosting the use of agricultural cover crops could help clean up significant amounts of carbon dioxide. Restoring forests already chopped down in Brazil, for example, could draw about 1. Those are relatively modest numbers given historic carbon emissions of 2. Communities around the world are already recognizing that adaptation must also be part of the response to climate change.

From flood-prone coastal towns to regions facing increased droughts and fires, a new wave of initiatives focuses on boosting resilience. Those include managing or preventing land erosion, building microgrids and other energy systems built to withstand disruptions, and designing buildings with rising sea levels in mind.

Recent books such as Drawdown and Designing Climate Solutions have proposed bold and comprehensive yet simple plans for reversing our current course. The ideas vary, but the message is consistent: We already have many of the tools needed to address climate change. Some of the concepts are broad ones that governments and businesses must implement, but many other ideas involve changes that anyone can make— eating less meat , for example, or rethinking your modes of transport.

All rights reserved. Share Tweet Email. Why it's so hard to treat pain in infants. This wild African cat has adapted to life in a big city. Animals Wild Cities This wild African cat has adapted to life in a big city Caracals have learned to hunt around the urban edges of Cape Town, though the predator faces many threats, such as getting hit by cars. The Woodland Trust are aiming to plant 64 million trees over the next 10 years — and need your help.

Whether you want to plant a single tree in your garden, or a whole wood, they have tools and resources to help. Create your own green space. Add pot plants to your window sill or balcony, and if you have your own outdoor space, don't replace the grass with paving or artificial turf.

Help to protect and conserve green spaces like local parks, ponds or community gardens. Organisations like Fields In Trust and the National Federation of Parks and Green Spaces have advice and resources on how you can get involved in areas local to you. Check out TCV. If you don't have direct access to open spaces, this community volunteering charity brings people together to connect to nature, and create healthier and happier communities.

Read about the benefits of integrating nature into urban spaces in our expert briefing: Integrating green and blue spaces into our cities: Making it happen.

Find out where your money goes. Voice your concerns about responsible investment by writing to your bank or pension provider, and ask if you can opt out of funds investing in fossil fuels. Banks, pensions funds and big corporates often hold investments in fossil fuel companies. However, the discussion around responsible investment — weighing up environmental, social and governance ESG factors and taking them into consideration when investing money — is growing. Everything we use as consumers has a carbon footprint.

Put your purchasing power to good use by choosing brands that align with your new green aspirations. Let brands know if you think they are using too much packaging — some will take customer feedback seriously. Conversations are a great way to spread big ideas. As you make these positive changes to reduce your environmental impact, share your experience with your family, friends, customers and clients. Instead, talk positively, and be honest about the ups and downs. Download a designed, pocket-sized leaflet in PDF.

To order printed versions of the leaflet, or for more information, contact: grantham imperial. Twitter Facebook. Make your voice heard by those in power. What can I do? Eat less meat and dairy. Cut back on flying. When flying is unavoidable, pay a little extra for carbon offsetting. Find out more Read more about why flying shouldn't necessarily be the default option for international travel , and how businesses can lead the way in reducing the demand for air travel.

Leave the car at home. If driving is unavoidable… Investigate trading in your diesel or petrol car for an electric or hybrid model. When behind the wheel, think about the way you drive: Switch off the engine when you park up. Drive smoothly.

Reduce your energy use, and bills. Small changes to your behaviour at home will help you use less energy, cutting your carbon footprint and your energy bills: Put on an extra layer and turn down the heating a degree or two. Martinich, J. DeAngelo, D. Diaz, B. Ekwurzel, G. Franco, C. Frisch, J. McFarland, and B. Reducing Risks Through Emissions Mitigation. Avery, D. Easterling, K. Kunkel, K. Lewis, T. Maycock, and B.

Stewart eds. Allen, M. Dube, W. Solecki, F. Cramer, S. Humphreys, M. Kainuma, J. Kala, N. Mahowald, Y. Mulugetta, R.