Every day, what we eat and the way we prepare meals have far bigger impacts on the environment than we might expect. By cooking and eating more sustainably, we can actually reduce climate change and live a healthier life.

When many people think about taking action to reduce climate change and save the planet, they expect only sacrifice. Drive less. Eat less meat. Travel less. Buy less. It’s true that conservation entails changes. The really big benefit, though, is that making small shifts will improve your health, your wellbeing and the planet.

One of the biggest challenges in reducing climate change is getting people to understand the issue and take action. Games turn out to be an excellent way to educate and nudge people. Gaming giants, including Sony and Microsoft, are among the leaders.

With COP26 in Glasgow last year on climate change and the follow-on to implement changes dominating climate change-related headlines, it might seem like there is only one COP. Another one is underway, though, and the focus by COP15 on the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD) that will protect nature and biodiversity is at least as important as COP26. Here’s what it is and why it matters.

While governments are donating billions of dollars in cash or equipment to support Ukraine, private capital from large and small donors alike has a critical role in supporting relief efforts now and rebuilding Ukraine in the future. • Nearly $343 million was raised in response to the crisis in Ukraine. • Reconstruction of Ukraine postwar will be the biggest undertaking in modern European history. • Cash-strapped Ukraine resorts to issuing war bonds. First published in Wealth and Society at https://www.wealthandsociety.com/updates-and-articles/private-capital-supports-humanitarian-aid-in-ukraine

The United Nations (UN) Emissions Gap report states that the richest 1% account for 15% of the global greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. The world’s richest have amassed more wealth than ever and as a consequence, expanded their carbon footprint. It is therefore crucial to take stock and ask if those with financial resources are actually facilitating the pragmatic shift towards a sustainable planet.

Simple steps like driving less or turning off lights can decrease your carbon (CO2) emissions and reduce climate change. And, you save money each time you take action. Using a carbon tracker can show you what to do.

After two years with little or no travel, many people are ready to fly away as soon as they can. Travel for pleasure or business has a massive impact on climate change, though, so it’s important to travel sustainably.

From Levi and H&M to Patagonia and Gucci, brands are starting to create more sustainable clothing. With production of cotton for a single pair of jeans using as much water as a person drinks in 10 years and 65 percent of clothing being made of oil-based polymers, however, clothing could keep causing climate change for decades. The key to sustainability is consumers reducing their environmental impact with an eco-friendly approach to their clothes.

Plant-based foods such as Impossible burgers and soy milk are clearly better for the environment than beef or cow’s milk. Even among plant-based foods, though, there are differences in their environmental impact. Choosing the right ones can do more to help save the planet.

When you turn on a gas stove or oven, you’re probably thinking of cooking dinner. It turns out, though, that using a gas stove releases methane that causes climate change and may leave hazardous nitrogen oxides in your home. Reducing those noxious gases is definitely doable.

While there was disappointment that delegates at the Conference of the Parties (COP26) in Glasgow did not do more to mitigate climate change, COP26 ended with a commitment to phase-down fossil fuels and a pledge to end deforestation. Although these are country level commitments, but business leaders and companies will be the ones that need to drive the change that stops global warming. More than 100 countries have agreed to cut their methane emissions by 30% by 2030 under the Global Methane Pledge According to International Energy Agency (IEA), global oil demands must drop by 75% to attain net-zero targets. 40% of global energy-related carbon emissions result from the existing buildings according to the World Green Building Council.

If we’re going to reduce climate change, we need to understand where greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions come from and what to focus on to reduce them. The data is confusing at best and often contradictory. Focusing on key pieces can, though, show what to do.

With the UN Conference of the Parties (COP26) in Glasgow focusing on countries and companies taking action to mitigate climate change, individuals might feel there is little they can do. However, the world’s wealthiest can have the biggest impact. With the UN Conference of the Parties (COP26) in Glasgow focusing on countries and companies taking action to mitigate climate change, individuals might feel there is little they can do. However, the world’s wealthiest can have the biggest impact.

Net Zero emissions is getting plenty of attention as the world seeks to mitigate climate change. Realistically, though it’s not enough. As Fortescue Metals Group CEO Andrew Forrest put it, “Net Zero isn’t a real solution. It’s carte blanche to continue using fossil fuels (and) offset emissions by capturing carbon, burying it, or planting enough trees.” What we really need is Absolute Zero, which means eliminating emissions. And it actually is possible.

The huge problems described in the recent Climate Change report from the IPCC makes it seem like only governments and big companies could possibly make a dent in mitigating climate change. In reality, though, the small actions each of us take can have a big impact. From riding the bus to lobbying legislators, what you do can slow climate change.

As the search for ways to reduce carbon dioxide (CO2) in the atmosphere intensified in recent years, farmers have been told that they can earn thousands of dollars by storing CO2 in the soil. New studies have, however, called that “carbon farming” into question. Farmers need to consider carefully whether they will start carbon farming.

With more people globally concerned about the impact of their carbon emissions on climate change, airlines have jumped in and now allow passengers to pay for carbon offsets. While these offsets help, flights are just one part of our everyday lives. Consumers can reduce their carbon emissions even more by making changes in their lifestyle, and they will save money at the same time.

It might seem like improving the taste and texture of plant-based meats such as Impossible burgers would convince carnivores who love beef and other animal-based meats to try plant-based alternatives. It’s not. Perhaps surprisingly, focusing on environmental and social benefits works better than talking about taste or even health.

Wearing clothes might seem like it doesn’t hurt the environment nearly as much as driving and flying or a multitude of other polluting activities. The reality, though, is different. Every time we get dressed, we literally put climate change on our backs. Indeed, the textile industry is one of the world's worst polluters. Changing what we wear can help reduce climate change and protect the environment.