While the world continues to focus on global climate summits like the [Conference of the Parties (COP)](https://unfccc.int/process/bodies/supreme-bodies/conference-of-the-parties-cop), a parallel conversation is emerging elsewhere. In Santa Marta, Colombia, countries gathered to discuss a deeper and increasingly urgent question: How do we actually move beyond fossil fuels? It becomes an increasingly urgent question as burning fossil fuels overheat our planet and drive climate change. 

In a geopolitical landscape shaped by the Russia-Ukraine war and tensions in the Middle East, energy remains central to global power dynamics. Oil dependency still influences economies, political alliances, and even conflicts themselves. The timing of the Santa Marta conference could not have been more symbolic: it unfolded during one of the most fragile energy moments in recent history, where the challenges of fossil fuel dependency are becoming impossible to ignore.

Following COP28 and the first official mention of the need to “transition away from fossil fuels,” countries such as Colombia and the Netherlands decided to open a different kind of climate conversation: one less constrained by veto power, lobbying pressures, and the slow pace of international negotiations. The countries participating in Santa Marta represent nearly one-third of global GDP and one-third of the world’s fossil fuel. This means that despite the absence of major emitters such as China and the United States, a different vision for the future is beginning to take shape.

**The Significance of Santa Marta**

What makes Santa Marta particularly significant is that it was led by Colombia itself, a country historically linked to coal and oil exports. The summit became a space for countries genuinely interested in building practical pathways toward a post-fossil economy, while openly acknowledging the contradictions tied to such a transition. The challenge is not simply environmental. Entire economies, public revenues, jobs, subsidies, and trade systems are still deeply connected to fossil fuels.

For this reason, discussions extended beyond emissions targets. Three major areas of work emerged during the conference: 

- Developing national roadmaps for phasing out fossil fuels.
- Addressing macroeconomic dependencies on oil and gas.
- Improving cooperation between producing and consuming countries. 

Financial systems also became a central issue. Many countries in the Global South continue to face high debt costs and limited access to investment capital, making renewable transitions significantly more difficult. Santa Marta highlighted that climate transition is not only technological, but also economic and political.

**Beyond the Conference**

At the same time, the summit exposed the fragility of traditional fossil fuel alliances. While cooperation between countries seeking to accelerate the energy transition appears to be strengthening, major producer blocs such as OPEC have increasing internal tensions. The decision of the United Arab Emirates to distance itself from OPEC reflects a growing awareness that the long-term profitability of fossil fuels may no longer be guaranteed.

Ultimately, the crisis triggered by tensions around Iran once again demonstrates how insufficient current decarbonization efforts still are. Every delay in renewable energy investments increases global exposure to geopolitical shocks and economic instability. 

Santa Marta may therefore represent more than another climate conference: it could become one of the first real attempts to rethink energy transition outside the traditional boundaries of international climate diplomacy.


Is Oil Fueling Our Wars? Colombia Is Starting a Different Conversation

Eco-friendly smart home remodeling promises lower waste and better day-to-day living, yet it’s easy to overspend on energy-efficient home upgrades that do not match the home or habits. The real challenge is balancing environmental impact reduction with real home comfort enhancement, and saving yourself money in the long-run. Learn how not to over-rely on buzzwords or guesswork. A clear way to think about “eco-friendly” and “smart” makes it easier to spot changes that truly fit your home.

**Understanding Eco-Friendly Smart Remodeling Basics**

Eco-friendly smart remodeling means upgrading your home in ways that cut waste and energy use, while using technology to run things more efficiently. The foundation is simple: improve the building first, choose greener materials where they matter, then add smart controls and renewable power that match your routines.

This matters because the smartest gadget cannot fix a drafty room or poor insulation, and “green” finishes do not help if your big energy loads and bills stay the same. With [the smart home market valued at USD 216.3 billion](https://www.futuremarketinsights.com/reports/smart-home-market), options are everywhere, so a few basic principles keep you from buying noise instead of results.

Think of it like a balanced meal: insulation and air sealing are the protein, efficient appliances are the carbs, and smart thermostats are the seasoning that makes it all work better. Solar or a heat pump can be the dessert, but only after the main course is solid. With the basics clear, you can price high-impact upgrades and compare funding with predictable payments.

**Paying for the Work**

Once you know which eco-friendly smart upgrades matter most, the next question is whether you have the upfront cash to pay for them. Ideally, you want to avoid compounding interest from a loan, which can really eat into the return on your home improvement investment. However, for a high-impact project, a home equity loan can help by giving you a lump sum to put toward higher-impact improvements, using your home’s equity as collateral. Because you receive the money all at once, it can be a fit when you’re planning larger purchases and want predictable payments with a fixed rate, so your budget does not swing month to month.

Typical eligibility requirements include having enough equity in your home, solid credit, steady income, and a debt-to-income ratio that meets the lender’s guidelines. To compare current pricing and terms in one place, check [home equity credit rates](https://www.amerisave.com/loan/home-equity-loan). With your financing approach clarified, you’ll be ready to follow a step-by-step roadmap for planning and executing the remodel.

**Sequencing Your Eco-Smart Remodel**

The following roadmap can help you remodel in a clean, logical order so that eco-friendly materials, efficient appliances, and automation work together from day one. For most homeowners, the right sequence prevents expensive rework and avoids “smart” devices that feel like disconnected add-ons:

1. **Map goals, rooms, and a single control plan** **- **Start by listing what you want to improve first: comfort, lower utility bills, indoor air quality, security, or convenience. Then choose one “brain” for the house (a hub or platform) and decide which systems should connect to it, since [smart home systems](https://www.anthonyslabaughremodeling.com/the-ultimate-whole-home-remodeling-checklist-for-the-discerning-homeowner) work best when planned as one ecosystem.
2. **Upgrade the home shell before adding tech** - Prioritize insulation, air sealing, efficient windows, and low-VOC finishes so your home needs less heating and cooling in the first place. Doing this early reduces the size and runtime demands on HVAC and makes every smart setting more effective.
3. **Rough-in wiring, network, and sensor locations** -** **Confirm where you want outlets, dedicated circuits, Ethernet or conduit, and placement for thermostats, leak sensors, and smart switches. This “behind-the-walls” period is the best time to be future-proof, so you are not cutting into fresh tile or drywall later.
4. **Install energy-efficient appliances and core mechanicals** -** **Choose appliances and equipment that match your improved home shell, then verify they can connect to your chosen platform and that installers understand any connectivity requirements. For example, heat pumps for heating and cooling of air and water, and induction and convection for cooking. The growth of the energy-efficient technologies market, reaching [$200 billion in 2025](https://www.futuremarketinsights.com/reports/residential-energy-efficient-technologies-market), reflects how common these upgrades have become, so ask for models with proven efficiency and dependable support.
5. **Layer in automation scenes and test integration room by room** -** **Set up simple routines like “Away,” “Sleep,” and “Morning” that combine lighting, temperature, and security, then test each room for a full week. Adjust one variable at a time so you can spot what is causing issues, and document device names and settings for easy troubleshooting.

**Eco-Friendly Smart Remodel Q&A**

**Q: What eco-friendly smart upgrades give the best payback?**
**A:** Start with comfort and efficiency basics: insulation, air sealing, and a smart thermostat that can actually control your HVAC well. Then add high-impact controls like smart switches and leak sensors to prevent costly damage.

**Q: How do I decide what’s worth the cost without overbuilding?**
**A:** Do a simple [cost-benefit analysis](https://redleafwi.com/visual-checklist-home-you-wont-outgrow/) for each upgrade: upfront cost, expected utility savings, maintenance, and comfort benefits. Rank projects by “impact per dollar” and start with the top two or three. This keeps your plan realistic even if your budget changes midstream.

**Q: When should I install smart devices during a remodel?**
**A:** Install anything that requires wiring or in-wall boxes before paint and final finishes. Save plug-in devices, cameras, and voice assistants for the end so you are not protecting gadgets during dusty work. A quick dry-run with temporary power can confirm coverage and placement.

**Q: Can I mix brands, or should everything match one ecosystem?**
**A:** You can mix brands, but pick one main platform and confirm each device integrates cleanly before you buy. Look for local control options and solid app reviews, not just feature lists. Keep receipts until everything stays connected for at least a week.

**Q: How do I keep an eco-friendly remodel from hurting indoor air quality?**
**A:** Choose low-VOC paints, sealants, and adhesives, and ask installers for product data sheets before work starts. Run ventilation during and after installation, and swap HVAC filters when dust-heavy phases end. If you are sensitive to odors, schedule “cure time” before moving furniture back in.

**Take a Step-by-Step Approach**

Eco-friendly smart remodeling can feel overwhelming when budgets, timelines, and tech choices all compete for attention. The best path is to start small, stay consistent, and let savings guide the next upgrade. Pick your first two upgrades and schedule the first install or DIY session, then treat that momentum as your next steps for smart home transformation. That kind of steady progress builds a healthier, more resilient home you can rely on.


Eco-Smart Home Remodeling 101

It may sound confusing, but global warming can actually cause very cold weather in some places. This is happening more often, and it has to do with two important systems in the atmosphere: the polar jet stream and the polar vortex.

Burning oil and gas releases greenhouse gases that drive global warming, but the effects go beyond rising temperatures. This is because the Arctic is warming much faster than the rest of the planet, disrupting the jet stream, a fast-moving current of air that normally acts like a barrier, keeping cold Arctic air in the north. As this barrier weakens and becomes more wavy, it allows glacial air to spill south into places like Canada, the United States, and parts of Europe. This is why, even in warm territories, some countries can experience sudden and extreme cold, often linked to what is known as the “polar vortex” **—** a band of extremely cold air that normally stays contained around the Arctic.

How did this happen? Research from Massachusetts Institute of Technology shows that the burning of oil and gas releases greenhouse gases that heat the Earth and accelerate climate change, resulting in “Arctic amplification,” where the Arctic warms faster than other regions of the world. At the same time, the polar vortex can become unstable. When this happens, freezing air escapes southward into other regions, bringing unusually harsh winter conditions; See[ explainers/polar-jet-stream-and-polar-vortex](https://climate.mit.edu/explainers/polar-jet-stream-and-polar-vortex).

But the effects go beyond colder temperatures alone. The disruption of atmospheric systems such as the jet stream and the polar vortex has now been associated with a range of devastating social and economic consequences. According to reports from CNN, when freezing Arctic air is pushed into regions that are not prepared for such extreme conditions, the impacts can be severe and far-reaching; See, “[The Polar Jet Stream and Polar Vortex](https://climate.mit.edu/explainers/polar-jet-stream-and-polar-vortex)”.[ ](https://www.cnn.com/2023/02/03/world/extreme-cold-arctic-polar-vortex-climate-intl)

Just a couple of examples of this phenomenon:

- The 2021 Texas winter storm led to massive power outages, water shortages, transportation shutdowns, economic losses, and many deaths.
- Parts of Asia and Europe have also recorded unusually harsh winters in recent years, disrupting daily life, damaging infrastructure, affecting energy supply, and increasing pressure on healthcare systems.

These events highlight how the effects of global warming extend beyond rising temperatures. They can also trigger extreme weather conditions that place serious strain on human lives, economies, and public infrastructure.

Addressing these challenges requires more than simply reacting to extreme weather events after they occur. Governments, industries, and individuals must work together to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by cutting dependence on fossil fuels such as oil and gas and investing more in cleaner energy sources. At the same time, countries need stronger infrastructure, better emergency preparedness systems, and more climate-resilient energy and water networks that can withstand unusual weather conditions. Public awareness and research will also play a major role in helping societies adapt to a changing climate while reducing the risks of future disasters.


When Global Warming Brings Extreme Cold

In the world's hottest cities, where summers are brutal and reliable air conditioning isn't a given, the heat at home has become hard to escape. The sun no longer just passes through; it lingers in the glass, the walls, and the spaces between rooms. The air turns heavy and warm, and by noon the thermostat reads what feels like unbearable heat.

In these parts of the world, the question is no longer about the weather outside, but how much of it is being trapped inside. Much of this is driven by the Urban Heat Island Effect, which can raise local temperatures by 5 to 10°C above surrounding areas, especially during heat waves ([UNEP's Global Cooling Watch Report, 2025](https://www.unep.org/resources/global-cooling-watch-2025)). As the planet continues to warm because of burning oil and gas, it becomes an issue that more of us have to face.

**Rising Heat Waves**

Heat waves, as we already know, are becoming a more severe natural hazard. For over a decade, there have been approximately 489,000 deaths every year due to heat stress alone, according to the World Health Organisation. Health-related costs are projected to reach around USD 2–4 billion by 2030.

Rising heat reflects failures to mitigate climate change, making adaptation increasingly unavoidable. For many people, that means relying on air conditioners to keep homes cool. As a result, the number of installed air conditioners could triple by 2050, leading to emissions of 7.2 billion tonnes CO₂e, even with energy-efficiency improvements and refrigerant phase-down policies. But many households worldwide cannot afford or obtain air conditioners. The real challenge, then, is how to adapt to the unbearable heat at home while protecting both livelihoods and the environment.

The answer may lie in sustainable solutions such as passive cooling strategies.  The strategies include changing the building orientation, shading, window sizing, and natural ventilation.

**Building Codes**

Building energy codes help ensure that passive cooling elements are built into structures from the start. These measures include optimized building orientation, double glazing, external shading, and cool roofs.

Pakistan and Kenya have revised their building energy codes, introduced mandatory energy-efficiency measures and emphasized passive cooling (Global Cooling Watch Report, 2025). In fact, optimizing the building envelope and orientation alone can yield energy savings of up to **37%** and reduce energy needs by up to **4.5%** (World Bank, 2025).

Simple things like planting trees and requiring them with new construction also reduce the Urban Heat Island Effect. Trees provide shade, cool the air, and help absorb heat that would otherwise build up on streets, sidewalks, and buildings. When neighborhoods have more trees and green spaces, they can feel cooler and more comfortable, especially during hot days.

**Windows**

Upgrading windows—for example, switching from single glazing to double glazing, can cut GHG emissions by 0.07 tCO₂e per m² per year, while improving thermal comfort (Project Drawdown analysis).

**Cool and Green Roofs**

**_Cool Roofs_**
Using highly reflective roof colours, such as white or other light shades, can reduce roof surface temperatures. This can also lead to energy savings of 15% for newly constructed buildings (Santamouris et al., 2022). In Ahmedabad, India, a cooling plan helped 7,000 low-income households paint their roofs white (UNEP, 2024). California’s updated building code in 2023 also mandated cool roofs for new buildings to reduce heat-island effects.

**_Green Roofs_**
Green roofs and green walls can cool buildings while sequestering carbon through photosynthesis, and they can reduce surface temperatures by about **3°C** (Wong et al., 2021).

Other passive cooling measures include building shading, optimized window sizing, and the use of water bodies. For example, the Cheonggyecheon Stream in South Korea has reduced surrounding temperatures by 3–5°C, according to the [World Economic Forum](https://www.weforum.org/).

**Energy Efficient Solutions**

**_Heat Pump_**
Heat pumps cool efficiently by moving heat rather than “burning” fuels, which can reduce emissions from fossil-based heating and refrigeration. Many countries are already incentivizing heat pumps; for example, the UK aims to install **600,000 heat pumps by 2028** (Zahiri & Gupta, 2023). Canada’s adaptation plans also recommend heat pumps to reduce heat-wave morbidity, according to the [Canadian Climate Institute](https://climateinstitute.ca/).

**_Hybrid Cooling_**
Another energy-saving approach is combining ceiling fans with an AC set at an optimal temperature. In Singapore, using a ceiling fan and setting the AC temperature to 26°C led to 32% energy savings while improving thermal comfort (Kent et al., 2023).

**Changing Habits to Beat the Heat**

To beat the heat, start with habits you can control at home. Open windows strategically to create cross-ventilation and reduce reliance on AC. During the hottest hours (around noon), use blinds to reduce solar heat gain. Add simple, natural support like aloe vera to improve comfort. With hybrid cooling, overall energy consumption can drop by 30% (IEA, 2025), and passive cooling can reduce AC load by up to 80%.


Beating the Heat In Our Homes

Read the headlines out of Washington and it's easy to assume America's clean energy push is running out of steam. The reality on the ground is a bit more encouraging: private capital keeps flowing into low-carbon technologies, advanced biofuels are scaling rapidly, and solar and wind continue their steady climb. Federal enthusiasm has cooled, but the underlying transition is still moving, and the rest of the world is still counting on it.

In 2025, the United States continued to play a significant role in advancing renewable energy, driven primarily by the economic competitiveness of solar and wind power, as well as private investment and state policies. Despite a federal political context more favorable to fossil fuels and debates over environmental regulations, the country maintained consistent growth in the clean energy sector. Simultaneously, the US preserved its strong position in the biofuels market, especially in the production of renewable ethanol and diesel, supported by established regulatory targets and mechanisms.

**Notable expansion of biofuels**

The United States occupies a prominent position in the increase of biofuel production, with an annual ethanol production exceeding 55 billion gallons, corresponding to approximately 40% of the world's production of this fuel. [According to the U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA, 2024)](https://www.eia.gov/todayinenergy/detail.php?id=66484), this volume establishes the country as one of the main global players in the sector. This performance is supported by structuring policies, such as the Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS), which was implemented by the United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), requiring the inclusion of renewable fuels in the energy mix of the transportation sector. [According to the International Energy Agency's (IEA) Renewables Report 2024](https://www.epa.gov/renewable-fuel-standard/final-renewable-fuels-standards-rule-2023-2024-and-2025), the maintenance of these actions has ensured high levels of blending in 2025, consolidating the U.S.'s position as one of the three main global producers of biofuels, along with Brazil and the European Union.

In recent years, growth has been particularly driven by the expansion of renewable diesel, whose production capacity grew by more than 300% between 2020 and 2024, with a strong concentration in states such as California and Texas as [reported by the U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA, 2025)](https://www.eia.gov/todayinenergy/detail.php?id=65424). At the same time, investments in advanced biofuels have reduced dependence on food inputs and improved the environmental efficiency of the sector. According to the International Energy Agency (IEA), this progress consolidates the United States as one of the world's leading centers for innovation and production of biofuels, contributing significantly to the energy transition and the reduction of emissions in the transportation sector. [According to the International Energy Agency (IEA, 2024)](https://www.iea.org/reports/renewables-2024), this progress strengthens the United States' position as one of the leading global centers for innovation and production of biofuels, contributing significantly to the energy transition and reducing emissions in the transportation sector.

**Governmental Actions and Transformative Initiatives**

The United States government has promoted the biofuel sector through policies and incentives that complement the _[Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS)](https://www.epa.gov/renewable-fuel-standard)_, with emphasis on the _[Inflation Reduction Act (IRA)](https://www.epa.gov/green-power-markets/summary-inflation-reduction-act-provisions-related-renewable-energy#:~:text=Through%20at%20least%202025%2C%20the%20Inflation%20Reduction,qualify%20for%20additional%20credit%20amounts%2C%20described%20below:)_, which established strategic tax credits for low-carbon fuels, including _Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF)_. Furthermore, initiatives such as the _Clean Fuel Production Credit (Section 45Z)_, whose importance intensifies from 2025 onwards, have strengthened support for the production of renewable fuels with lower carbon intensity. Simultaneously, state actions, such as _California's Low Carbon Fuel Standard (LCFS)_, continue to play a crucial role in generating intense market demand for biodiesel, renewable diesel, and SAF. These measures have been essential to stimulate new investments and consolidate the expansion of emerging markets, especially in the aviation sector, where the demand for sustainable energy solutions is growing rapidly.

**The Impact of the International Energy Agency (IEA)**

In its _“Renewables 2024 report”_, the International Energy Agency (IEA) highlighted that installed renewable energy capacity continues to increase rapidly in the United States and globally. [According to the IEA](https://www.iea.org/reports/renewables-2024/executive-summary), renewable energy growth in the US is among the most significant among developed economies, with large increases primarily in the solar and wind sectors. This demonstrates a continued commitment to the energy transition, despite recent regulatory challenges. Worldwide, renewable capacity is expected to increase approximately 2.7 times by 2030, driven by clean energy policies in over 130 countries, reduced technological costs, and growth in public and private demand. However, this progress is still below the target of tripling global capacity by 2030, established at COP28. According to the same report, by the end of the decade, new renewable energy installations are expected to exceed 5,500 GW, with solar and wind power accounting for approximately 95% of this increase. This underscores the fundamental importance of renewable energies in reducing carbon emissions and changing the global energy mix.

**Limitations and Perspectives:**

Although there has been progress, the IEA warns that global investment in renewable energy is still insufficient, especially in developing economies. Furthermore, it highlights the need for greater international collaboration to achieve long-term climate goals. In the United States, despite the country experiencing an unprecedented volume of investment in clean energy after the passage of the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA), which between 2022 and 2025 incentivized more than $422 billion in investment and generated more than 400,000 jobs in the clean energy sector (Inflation Reduction Act, 2025), energy policy has raised doubts for this sector following the re-election of Donald Trump in 2025. The government has suggested reducing or canceling tax incentives for solar and wind energy in the federal budget, in addition to prioritizing investments in fossil fuels. This has resulted in a decrease in some initiatives and greater instability in renewable energy investment flows (Reuters). Conversely, remaining tax incentives and private investments continue to attract capital to low-carbon technologies, especially in areas such as advanced biofuels and clean energy infrastructure. This indicates a chance to fully leverage the renewable potential of the US, even in the face of political and financing obstacles.

**Economic and Environmental Assessment**

The United States progress in the renewable energy sector has had significant effects on both the environment and the economy. The growth of renewable sources, such as solar, wind, and biofuels, has helped to progressively reduce greenhouse gas emissions and decrease dependence on fossil fuels in strategic sectors. At the same time, the growth of clean energy has stimulated private investment, strengthened industrial chains, and expanded job creation in the energy sector, contributing to the development of a more resilient and low-carbon economy.

**Renewable Energy Sources as a Driver for Sustainable Development**

The growth of renewable energy in the United States has brought benefits that transcend the environmental aspect, directly impacting the country's economic progress. The growth of renewable sources, such as solar, wind, and biofuels, has attracted significant investments, promoted technological advancements, and strengthened industrial chains related to the energy transition. Furthermore, the sector's growth has generated jobs and new market opportunities, both nationally and internationally. Despite recent political and regulatory obstacles, the United States remains in a favorable position to leverage the low-carbon economy, thanks to its industrial capacity, technological leadership, and the solid performance of the private sector in advancing clean energy.

**Education and Awareness as Essential Elements**

To sustain growth and competitiveness in the renewable energy sector, the United States and the entire world must continue to increase investments in education, technical training, and public awareness. Empowering new generations of scientists, engineers, and entrepreneurs has become a crucial element in maintaining the growth of technologies such as solar, wind, green hydrogen, and advanced biofuels. Furthermore, it is essential to inform society about the environmental and economic advantages of clean energy to strengthen social and political support for energy transition strategies in various regions.

This priority is even more urgent worldwide due to disparities between developed countries and emerging economies regarding access to technical knowledge, educational infrastructure, and resources for innovation. Training a skilled workforce is a challenge for many countries, which can result in delays in the implementation of renewable energy projects and increased operating costs. Thus, global initiatives for academic cooperation, technology transfer, and vocational training programs constitute a strategic opportunity to drive the global energy transition, ensuring that progress in renewable energies is accompanied by human development, economic inclusion, and long-term sustainability.

**Paths to Progress**

As the United States advances on its energy transition path, the focus has remained on technological innovation, strengthening industrial competitiveness, and sustainable development. The expansion of sectors such as solar, wind, energy storage, and advanced biofuels has been driven by public and private investments, as well as policies incentivizing the decarbonization of the economy. This process reflects a strategy aimed at maintaining technological and energy leadership in an increasingly competitive global context.

In parallel, international collaboration continues to play an essential role through partnerships with other countries, research institutions, and multilateral organizations. These collaborations allow for the sharing of scientific knowledge, technology transfer, and the joint development of clean energy solutions, contributing to accelerating the global energy transition. Thus, the United States consolidates its position as a major player in the global energy sector, combining large-scale production capacity with an active role in the development and dissemination of technologies for the energy transition.

The United States remains a major global player in advancing renewable energy and biofuels, driven by its robust industrial capacity, significant private investment, and rapid growth in technologies such as solar, wind, and renewable fuels. Through structural policies, technological innovation, and steady growth in the clean energy sector, the country has strengthened its economic competitiveness and progressively reduced its dependence on fossil fuels in strategic sectors such as transportation and electricity generation. Furthermore, by influencing global markets and leading technological advancements, the U.S. plays a significant role in global efforts to mitigate climate change. Maintaining this momentum is crucial to supporting the global energy transition toward a more sustainable future.

But that’s not the end of the journey. If you haven’t found an action that fits your lifestyle yet, Earth Hero offers many more simple, practical ideas on our [Earth Hero website](https://www.earthhero.org/act) and in our [amazing free app](https://www.earthhero.org/app). Explore, download, and start taking small steps today, because every action counts in protecting our planet. 


Bruised, Not Yet Broken: The State of U.S. Clean Energy

For busy professionals who live on a phone and laptop, the convenience of everyday digital behaviors can hide a substantial digital carbon footprint. The environmental impact of technology is not limited to buying a device; it also comes from the energy consumption of devices and the behind-the-scenes systems powering routine clicks, storage, and streaming. With mindful digital habits, however, everyday tech use can remain convenient while becoming noticeably lighter on the planet.

**What a Digital Carbon Footprint Really Means**

A digital carbon footprint is the greenhouse gas pollution linked to your online activity and the tech that supports it. The [digital carbon footprint](https://giki.earth/what-is-your-digital-carbon-footprint-and-how-can-you-reduce-it/) includes data centers storing your files, the networks moving your data, the electricity your devices use, and the emissions tied to making and disposing of hardware. While some of the electricity used to power those things comes from clean sources, like solar and wind, many electrical grids still rely on burning oil and gas.

This matters because small choices add up when they happen dozens of times a day. Once you know where emissions come from, you can cut impact without giving up the tools you rely on for work and life.

Think of your digital life like a leaky faucet: each email attachment saved, autoplay video, or extra backup trickles energy use. Streaming in high resolution, keeping thousands of old photos in the cloud, and leaving devices on all day can quietly increase demand across the internet infrastructure. This is not to say you need to cut out all of these things, but consider making intentional choices and not causing unnecessary pollution.

**Run a Quick Digital Audit and Cut Energy Use Fast**

A quick audit is the fastest way to find the few digital habits that quietly drive most of your energy use. You can adjust device settings, clean up unnecessary data, and choose lighter software defaults that work at home and at work.

1. **List your daily digital touchpoints** - Start by [thinking about all the digital tools](https://focuskeeper.co/glossary/what-is-digital-habits-audit) you use in a typical day: streaming, video calls, cloud storage, email, social media, gaming, smart devices, and work apps. Next to each, jot down how long you use it and where it runs (phone, laptop, smart TV, work computer). This gives you a clear map of what to optimize instead of guessing.
2. **Flip on the biggest built-in energy savers** - Turn on power-saving mode on phones and laptops, and set screens to dim sooner and sleep faster after inactivity. On desktops and monitors, enable sleep after 5 to 15 minutes and shut down at the end of the day, since always-on devices draw power even when you are not using them. These changes cut waste without changing what you do online.
3. **Shrink streaming and meeting data by default** - Set streaming services to “Data Saver” or standard definition for everyday viewing, and only switch to HD or 4K when you truly care about the details. In video meetings, try audio-only for routine check-ins or turn off your camera when you are not presenting, and avoid unnecessary screen sharing. Less data moved and processed means less demand on networks and back-end infrastructure.
4. **Declutter cloud files and inboxes with a simple rule - **Delete duplicates, blurry screenshots, and old downloads, then empty “Recently Deleted” folders so the cleanup sticks. Keep one trusted backup location instead of three overlapping ones, and unsubscribe from newsletters you never read to slow future inbox growth. This matters because [4.4% of total U.S. electricity](https://www.energy.gov/articles/doe-releases-new-report-evaluating-increase-electricity-demand-data-centers) went to data centers in 2023, so reducing unnecessary storage and transfers has a real impact.
5. **Choose greener defaults in the apps you keep** - Prefer lightweight apps, use a single browser with tab limits, and remove extensions that run in the background. Turn off autoplay where possible, pause automatic cloud sync for folders that do not need it, and disable app background refresh on mobile. You will keep the tools you need while lowering always-on activity.

**Habits That Keep Your Digital Footprint Low**

Small tweaks only matter if they stick. These habits turn one-time settings and cleanup into a steady, low-effort rhythm you can follow confidently, even on busy weeks.

Two-Minute Power Down

- **What it is:** Shut down computers, monitors, and consoles fully when you’re done.
- **How often:** Daily
- **Why it helps:** It cuts idle electricity draw that adds up overnight.

Streaming Quality Check

- **What it is:** Watch in SD by default and switch to HD only for special shows.
- **How often:** Daily
- **Why it helps:** Lower data transfer reduces network and data center workload.

Camera-Optional Meetings

- **What it is:** Use audio-only for routine calls and enable video only when needed.
- **How often:** Per meeting
- **Why it helps:** It reduces unnecessary video processing and upload traffic.

Weekly Digital Declutter

- **What it is:** Do [digital decluttering](https://www.gulfcoastnewsnow.com/article/the-impact-of-digital-decluttering-on-mental-health-and-tech-performance/46663753) by deleting junk files, old screenshots, and unused apps.
- **How often:** Weekly
- **Why it helps:** Less stored clutter means fewer background syncs and backups.

**Quick Answers on Cutting Digital Emissions**

**Q: What are the most effective digital habits I can adopt to reduce my carbon footprint at home and at work?**

**A:** Start with the biggest repeat offenders: turning devices fully off when idle, reducing video streaming quality by default, and limiting video calls to when they add value. Add a short weekly cleanup of downloads, duplicates, and unused apps to cut syncing and backups. Consistency beats intensity, so pick one habit for seven days, then add the next.

**Q: How can I audit my current digital behaviors to identify areas where I can minimize energy use and data storage?**

**A:** Do a 15 minute “digital receipt check”: look at your screen time, top streaming apps, and cloud storage breakdown (photos, videos, backups). Then identify your top three actions by frequency and data use, and choose one change for each (lower quality, fewer auto uploads, fewer always on devices). Keep a simple note so you can see progress without guessing.

**Q: What software choices and energy-saving settings have the greatest impact on lowering my environmental footprint?**

**A:** Prioritize settings that reduce always on work: enable sleep and display off timers, use dark mode on OLED screens, and turn off auto play in video apps. Choose software defaults that limit background syncing, high resolution uploads, and constant notifications. If you work in tech, these defaults are worth treating as part of the job, since the digital sector represents between 3 and 4% of [global greenhouse gas emissions](https://www.carbone4.com/en/article-digital-cloud-hidden-emissions).

**Q: What are responsible ways to dispose of or recycle old digital devices to prevent e-waste pollution?**

**A:** First, extend life where you can: repair, replace batteries, or repurpose devices for a single job like music or alarms. If you are done with it, wipe data, remove accounts, and donate if it still works. Otherwise, use certified e-waste drop offs or retailer take back programs, and avoid disposing of electronics with household waste.

**Q: If I feel overwhelmed by technology and want to deepen my understanding of sustainable digital practices, how can I best gain the knowledge and skills to create lasting changes?**

**A:** Keep your efforts structured and bite-sized: choose one topic (device settings, cloud storage hygiene, or streaming and meetings) and practice for a week. Look for flexible courses or guides that include checklists, real-life scenarios, and a way to measure results so you feel in control. Since the [tech industry accounts for 7% of global emissions](https://www.greenmatch.co.uk/blog/technology-environmental-impact), building steady skills is a practical form of climate action.

**Turn Everyday Digital Habits Into a Smaller Carbon Footprint**

Digital life is convenient, but it’s easy to stream, store, and scroll on autopilot without noticing the emissions behind it. The workable fix is a mindful, habit-based approach: small choices paired with a quick personal environmental impact reflection so effort stays focused. With a clear commitment to digital eco-friendly changes, daily tech use becomes lighter, more intentional, and easier to sustain over time. That’s how long-term mindful technology use becomes sustained digital behavior modification that supports a steadier, more resilient future.

**Also see:** [5 Easy Tips to Start Working and Living More Sustainably](https://www.earthhero.org/articles/5-easy-tips-to-start-working-and-living-more-sustainably/)


Reduce Your Digital Carbon Footprint with Easy Changes

The United States is falling behind the rest of the world in production and sales of electric vehicles (EVs), spurred by the Trump administration’s aggressive actions to undo measures intended to curb the greenhouse gas emissions that are driving climate change. But ultimately the transition away from fossil fuel-powered vehicles cannot be stopped, EV advocates say.

Sales of electric vehicles climbed by 20% globally in 2025, including a 33% spike in Europe, _[Inside Climate News ](https://michiganadvance.com/2026/02/15/the-first-casualty-of-trumps-climate-action-repeal-the-u-s-ev-transition/)_[reported in February](https://michiganadvance.com/2026/02/15/the-first-casualty-of-trumps-climate-action-repeal-the-u-s-ev-transition/), citing the research firm Rho Motion. Meanwhile, U.S. sales dropped 4% for the year.

“While it's hard to say how long it will take, I am confident that EV technology will prevail in the U.S. the same way it will prevail worldwide. EVs are a far superior technology,” said Ingrid Malmgren, senior policy director for the nonprofit Plug In America. Beyond their environmental and health benefits, they are more efficient, a better driving experience, and require less maintenance than gas-powered vehicles, she added.

“I do think that the U.S. will get to the point, it might be sometime in the 2030s, where we will start to accelerate like we've seen in Europe and in China,” said John Higham, vice president of communications and public affairs for the nongovernmental Electric Vehicle Association. “But I don't think that time is yet. And it's not because the cars aren't ready. It's not because the infrastructure isn’t ready. It's not even because the people aren't ready. But, unfortunately, it's because EVs have become politicized, and it is difficult for a certain segment of the population to admit that EVs are a good and viable option.”

**Power Politics**

Since President Donald Trump was re-elected to office in 2024, his Cabinet agencies have taken direct aim at EVs and clean energy more broadly.

In February, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency repealed the 2009 “endangerment finding” that formalized greenhouse gas emissions as a public health threat demanding regulation. Among other impacts, this automatically undoes restrictions on emissions from motor vehicles. Transportation is the No. 1 source of greenhouse gases in the United States.

[Trump cut off a program that provided up to $7,500 in federal tax credits for buying a new EV in late 2025](https://www.earthhero.org/articles/clock-ticking-for-ev-clean-energy-tax-credits/), more than seven years before the initiative was originally scheduled to expire. The administration has also sought to freeze the $5 billion National Electric Vehicle Infrastructure (NEVI) Formula Program, established to deploy EV charging systems across the country, [but a federal judge ruled early this year the funds must be released](https://www.utilitydive.com/news/trump-administration-must-let-ev-charger-funding-flow-court-rules/810631/).

“All of the regulations that incentivize automakers to make more efficient, cleaner cars are being removed by this administration, so automakers are more likely to make high-profit gas guzzlers, essentially increasing short-term profits for automakers and long-term profits for gasoline companies,” Malmgren said. “This is at the expense of health, air quality, climate, and long-term competitiveness of the U.S. auto industry.”

Repeal of the endangerment finding is a “foundational move” against the economic stability of the United States, according to Higham. The best-case scenario for the moment is that automakers simply continue with their existing EV plans, recognizing that they are competing in a global auto market that is rapidly electrifying, he said. But that is not a given. “At its very minimum, it injects uncertainty into economic forecasts and it is difficult to be successful with that uncertainty.”

Domestic automakers are already showing signs of retreat from the EV market, _Inside Climate News_ noted. Late last year, Ford said it would halt production of its F-150 Lightning within a broader rollback on EV efforts. General Motors will also not proceed with anticipated EV production at a facility in Michigan.

**Fighting for EVs**

States, environmental organizations, and EV advocates are contesting the Trump administration’s moves in court. [Multiple lawsuits](https://news.bloomberglaw.com/environment-and-energy/epa-endangerment-finding-rollback-draws-first-legal-challenges) have already been filed against the repeal of the endangerment finding.

Individuals and communities also have key roles in advancing EVs, Malmgren and Higham said. “Certainly how you vote matters,” Malmgren told Earth Hero. “Folks should continue to educate themselves and understand how their members of Congress vote to ensure that their interests are represented.”

Both emphasized the importance of support for local pro-EV policymaking. City council budgets that fund charging infrastructure make it easier for drivers to convert to EVs, Malmgren said. Matters like site permitting for[ DC fast chargers](https://www.power-sonic.com/the-ultimate-guide-to-dc-fast-charging/) and utility access are also handled locally. That extends to revising state or local building codes to require EV charging at new multifamily homes, Higham said, highlighting lack of immediate multifamily residential access to chargers as a financial obstacle for many consumers. “A handful of local voices can change outcomes,” he said.

Personal connections are also important, Malmgren added. Many EV drivers bought their vehicles after learning about the experience from friends and neighbors.

**Beyond the Green**

Political polarization is not the only barrier to increased uptake of electric vehicles. Drivers who don’t care about EVs’ green bona fides must be persuaded that they are simply better rides, Higham said. “The people that need to be converted, they need to be converted because it's a better driving experience. It's fun to drive, and it's more economical, and those are the things that are going to win people over who have yet to be converted.”

Certain myths about electric vehicles also must be dispelled, Malmgren said.[ In a 2025 survey of more than 27,500 EV drivers worldwide,](https://survey.globalevalliance.com/) the Global EV Alliance found that 58% agreed or strongly agreed that myths on EVs made it difficult for them to persuade friends and family to buy a vehicle. Seventy-seven percent of respondents listed myths among the top barriers to EV adoption in their country.

“Disinformation creates and perpetuates fear, uncertainty, and doubt. Drivers in the U.S. are highly reliant on their cars, which can contribute to a general fear of change. False narratives about EV fires, inadequate range, and concerns about a lack of charging feed into this fear,” Malmgren said. “Between these myths and a fear of change, drivers may be influenced to stick with gas despite the many benefits EVs offer.”

Earth Hero offers dozens of actions that energy-minded individuals and communities can take to reduce their greenhouse gas output. You can find them [here](https://www.earthhero.org/act/category/energy/). Please also read [Earth Hero’s article](https://www.earthhero.org/articles/the-sun-is-not-setting-on-solar/) on the future of the U.S. solar industry.


Saving the EV Revolution in the USA

​The climate crisis is sometimes framed as a sudden catastrophe, a freak accident of history that caught humanity off guard. However, a more holistic view reveals a different truth: climate change is the cumulative result of decades of intentional decisions. It is the physical manifestation of a global civilization that, for over a century, has prioritized speed, scale, and convenience above all else.

From the way we produce our food to the fast-fashion cycles that clog our landfills, our modern systems are built on a philosophy of constant, carbon-intensive growth. This has led us to a polarizing crossroads: must we retreat into the past to save the planet, or continue our reckless sprint toward a precarious future?

​Between these two extremes lies a potential "third path" - one that does not demand a regression to pre-industrial living, but instead calls for a radical redefinition of progress. By leveraging the very technology that helped create this crisis, we can ride the natural and economic cycles of our society toward a more balanced and sustainable existence (see, for example, “[The Sun is Not Setting on Solar](https://www.earthhero.org/articles/the-sun-is-not-setting-on-solar/)”).

**​The Industrial Legacy and the Digital Solution**

The advanced technological landscape we navigate today is a relatively recent development. Much of the infrastructure of the digital age cloud computing, high-speed automation, and global telecommunications has matured only within the last few decades. While these tools were initially used to accelerate extraction and consumption, they possess an untapped potential to enhance human productivity while simultaneously reducing our ecological footprint.

​One of the most profound opportunities for climate mitigation lies in the normalization of remote and flexible work. For over a century, the "industrial" model of labor dictated that productivity was synonymous with physical presence in a centralized office. This model created the daily commute, a massive driver of global carbon emissions and urban congestion. Today, however, we have proven that physical presence is no longer a prerequisite for meaningful output (see, “[Alternative work arrangements: Individual, organizational and environmental outcomes](https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2405844023091077)”).

The shift toward a "work from anywhere" model offers a direct pathway to emissions reduction. Every worker who stays home or works from a local hub represents a decrease in fuel consumption and a lower demand for energy-intensive office infrastructure (see “[Remote Work: Making it Work for the Environment](https://www.earthhero.org/articles/remote-work-making-it-work-for-the-environment/)”). Beyond the environmental data, there is a human element: time once squandered in traffic is reclaimed for rest, creativity, and community connection, fundamentally improving the quality of life.

**​The Rise of Generation Z and the New Value System**

​This transition is being accelerated by the shifting values of Generation Z. Unlike previous generations that may have accepted environmental degradation as a necessary trade-off for economic gain, Gen Z is increasingly unwilling to separate their career aspirations from their ethical standards. This cohort prioritizes well-being and demands transparency and accountability from the institutions they work for and buy from. ”[The Vital Role of the Young Generation in the Transformation of Indonesian Agriculture towards a Brighter Future](https://drive.google.com/file/d/1v2O8-xQSNSTzLi148WTLAcWvjwNfAucQ/view)”

​As companies adopt distributed work models to attract and retain this talent, we see a ripple effect across urban planning. When employees are no longer tethered to expensive, overcrowded megacities, they gain the freedom to relocate to smaller towns or rural areas. This redistribution of the human population eases the immense pressure on urban energy grids, water systems, and transportation networks, allowing cities to "breathe" and redesign themselves as sustainable hubs rather than congested transit points.

**​Reconnecting with Ecological Cycles**

​The redistribution of labor also facilitates a deeper, more personal reconnection with nature. In the traditional urban sprawl, gardening or local food production was a luxury of space. In a more distributed society, these activities become accessible again. This isn't about a forced return to survivalist farming; it is about a conscious choice to participate in ecological cycles (see “[Building Climate Resilience: Where Function Meets Fun](https://www.earthhero.org/articles/building-climate-resilience-where-function-meets-fun/)”).
​
Modern technology can act as a bridge here. Smart systems, such as integrated waste management and hydroponics, allow households to create closed-loop ecosystems. For example, fish-waste-rich water can nourish plants, which in turn filter the water back for the fish. These technological applications make sustainable living not just possible, but efficient and integrated into a modern lifestyle.

**The Corporate and Economic Imperative**

​From a corporate standpoint, embracing this "third path" is not just an act of charity; it is a sound economic strategy. Remote and distributed models reduce operational overhead, accelerate digital transformation, and foster a culture of trust rather than rigid, top-down control. It humanizes the workforce by focusing on outcomes what is actually achieved rather than the performance of being "busy" in a cubicle.

​Even sectors often criticized for their environmental impact, such as telecommunications and logistics, can be reimagined. A telecommunications sector that invests heavily in remote connectivity enables education and economic opportunity in underserved areas, turning mobility into a tool for real needs rather than a byproduct of inefficient routines.
**​**
**The Canvas of the Future**

​Admittedly, these shifts are not easy. They require more than just the right software; they demand a significant change in political will, corporate coordination, and ethical frameworks. Technology alone is not a "silver bullet" for the climate crisis, but it is a powerful accelerator for better choices.

Young people are often told that they do not yet hold the "levers of power”, they do not sign the treaties or control the multinational supply chains (see “[Urban Evolution: How Jakarta Can Lead Indonesia’s 2045 Vision Through Sustainable Living and Smart Mobility](https://climatecardinal.com/urban-evolution-how-jakarta-can-lead-indonesias-2045-vision-through-sustainable-living-and-smart-mobility/)”) . They are often viewed by policymakers as a "canvas" to be painted upon. However, a canvas is also a space for vision. By redefining what productivity looks like and leveraging technology to rebuild our relationship with the planet, this generation can imagine and implement a future that does not leave the Earth behind.

​Riding the cycle means acknowledging that growth and restraint are not mutually exclusive. True progress does not mean endless expansion into the natural world; it means the smarter use of what we already have and the courage to choose a path of restoration over destruction. The choices we make today, guided by these new tools and values, will determine whether our technological power saves us or hastens our decline. Fragment by fragment, we can move forward without losing the world in the process.


Rethinking Progress: Technology, Remote Work, and a Third Path to Climate Resilience

Whenever climate change is discussed in news reports, textbooks, and conferences or summits, carbon dioxide is most often blamed as the main culprit. While CO₂ undeniably plays a central role, methane tells a quieter but equally alarming story. Despite its shorter life span, methane has contributed to nearly  [30 percent of global warming since pre-industrial times](https://www.climatecouncil.org.au/resources/dangerously-overlooked-why-we-need-to-talk-about-methane/) - yet it rarely receives the attention it warrants.

Two reasons methane should not be neglected in climate conversations:

- Over its first 20 years in the atmosphere, it traps nearly [80 times more heat](https://www.edf.org/climate/methane-crucial-opportunity-climate-fight) than carbon dioxide, and even over a century, its warming potential is about  [28 times greater.](https://www.climatecouncil.org.au/resources/dangerously-overlooked-why-we-need-to-talk-about-methane/) 
- Although methane does not linger as long as carbon dioxide, it does not simply vanish over time; it breaks down into carbon dioxide and water, leaving behind carbon dioxide that continues to warm the planet for centuries.

Methane is also responsible for the increased concentration of ground-level ozone, another important greenhouse gas. Being the second most important greenhouse gas driving climate change after carbon dioxide, its concentration has increased significantly above pre-industrial levels. It is released from both natural and human-driven sources, with human activities responsible for [nearly 60 percent of the total methane emissions.](https://www.iea.org/reports/methane-tracker-2021/methane-and-climate-change) 

**Natural Sources:** Methane is naturally released from sources such as wildfires, termite digestion, and methane-producing bacteria in wetlands under low-oxygen conditions.

**Human-driven Sources: **These emissions largely come from three sources:

- Agriculture** **is a major contributor. Ruminant livestock such as cows, buffaloes, and sheep emit methane mainly through digestion, mostly burping, which accounts for about [95 percent of these emissions](https://www.worldanimalprotection.org.au/news/trillion-cow-burps-damaging-planet-daily/). Rice cultivation also releases methane due to flooded, low-oxygen fields that promote methane-producing bacteria.
- Organic waste, such as food and garden trimmings, releases methane in landfills as it decomposes under low-oxygen conditions when older waste is buried beneath new layers.
- Finally, methane is released during fossil fuel extraction and can also escape through pipeline leaks during transportation.

**Why Is Methane Overlooked?**

So, the question is, why is methane, despite its significant influence on climate change, often overlooked?

- **Methane is short-lived**: Methane generally remains in the atmosphere for [around 9-12 years](https://www.wri.org/insights/atmospheric-methane-removal), compared to 100 years for carbon dioxide. This creates a misconception that methane is less dangerous, although its warming potential is higher than that of carbon dioxide over a shorter time period.
- **Sources are difficult to track: **Methane emissions come from many scattered sources, making them hard to track, while carbon dioxide mainly comes from clear, fossil-fuel sources.
- **Lack of public awareness: **Since climate news largely focuses on carbon dioxide emissions, public awareness of methane’s role in climate change remains limited. People often underestimate its role in driving near-term climate change.
- **Climate Policies and Regulations mainly focus on carbon dioxide: **Many regulations, targets, and climate policies are designed around carbon dioxide emissions, overshadowing the role of methane in causing near-term climate change. While government policies and scientific solutions are important in cutting methane emissions, individuals can also reduce emissions through simple everyday actions.

**So what do we do about it?**

Awareness is an important first step. Action is even more important. So what can you do about it?

- **Push for Change**: Push for better regulations on oil and gas methane leaks, landfill gas capture, and agricultural practices by supporting policy advocacy, voting, and organizations working on climate accountability. At the same time, help shift markets by supporting companies, technologies, and initiatives that reduce waste and deploy methane capture and monitoring.
- **Dietary Change**: Choosing a diet with less meat and more plant-based foods. Or opt for meat from animals that produce less methane, like chicken. Sheep and cows release methane during digestion.
- **Composting waste at home:** Mindful grocery shopping, proper food storage, and consuming what one buys can significantly reduce food waste sent to landfills. Home composting of organic waste further prevents disposal into landfills and provides nutrient-rich fertilizer for soil in the form of compost.
- **Remove gas stoves, water heaters, and furnaces: **If you have them in your home, gas stoves and furnaces should be regularly checked for leaks. Better yet, transition to better heating options like heat pump furnaces and water heaters, induction cook tops, and convection electric ovens. As a bonus, they keep nasty gas fumes out of your breathing air.

Beyond these steps, raising awareness among friends, family, and neighbours, and using public transport, carpooling, walking, or cycling can significantly reduce methane emissions.

Despite years of neglect, methane is now gaining global attention for its powerful climate impact. Over 150 countries signed the [Global Methane Pledge](https://www.globalmethanepledge.org/) at the Glasgow Climate Conference, 2021, to cut human-caused emissions by 30% by 2030, and advanced tools like satellites are helping detect sources. However, public awareness remains low, and strong, enforceable policies are still lacking. Making methane a core part of climate discussions alongside carbon dioxide can raise awareness and support long-term emission reductions.

**For simple ways to reduce greenhouse gases**, also see [“Use Your Feet and Bicycles to Help Reduce Greenhouse Gas Emissions”](https://www.earthhero.org/articles/use-your-feet-and-bicycles-to-help-reduce-greenhouse-gas-emissions/) and [“Quick Climate Actions for a Busy Life.”](https://www.earthhero.org/articles/quick-climate-actions-for-a-busy-life/)


Let’s Pay More Attention to Methane

When we talk about climate change, it's tempting to look for _the_ solution: Solar panels. Electric vehicles. Tree planting. Carbon capture. Pick one, scale it up, problem solved - right?

Not quite. Each of these solutions matters, but none works on its own. Climate change isn't a single problem with a single fix. It's a systems problem, and it needs systems thinking.

Engineers are trained to understand complex systems and how changes to one component ripple through the whole system. Climate change works the same way. It's shaped by how we produce energy, design cities, grow food, manage water, and use materials. When we treat these areas separately, we risk missing the bigger picture and sometimes even create new problems.

**Climate Change Is a Systems Problem**

Take renewable energy, as an example. Transitioning from fossil fuels to clean electricity is essential for reducing emissions, but energy doesn't exist in isolation. Where materials come from, how infrastructure is built, and how much energy we use all matter. A clean grid paired with inefficient buildings or rapidly rising demand still leaves significant emissions behind ( IEA, 2023; see References below).

The same is true for nature-based solutions. Restoring forests, wetlands, and soils can remove carbon while supporting biodiversity and local livelihoods. But poorly planned projects can increase wildfire risk, strain water resources, or displace communities (IPCC, 2023). Good intentions aren't enough; context and coordination also matter a lot.

Systems thinking helps us evaluate solutions across their full lifecycle, including environmental, social, and economic impacts. We should not just ask, "Does this reduce emissions?’’ We must also ask, "What else does this affect, and who benefits or bears the cost?"

**The Limits of One-Solution Thinking**

Focusing on a single climate solution creates blind spots.

Renewable energy alone cannot meet climate goals if global energy demand continues to rise without proper efficiency measures (IEA, 2023). Carbon capture may play a key role in hard-to-abate sectors like cement and steel, but these technologies are energy-intensive and cannot replace rapid emissions reductions (UNEP, 2023). Tree planting and ecosystem restoration are powerful tools, but there isn't enough land on the Earth to offset unlimited fossil fuel use (IPCC, 2023).

When climate solutions are framed as substitutes rather than complements, progress slows. Climate action becomes polarized—technology versus nature, mitigation versus adaptation, individual action versus systemic change. In reality, these approaches are strongest when they work together.

**How Integrated Climate Action Works**

Integrated climate action recognizes that solutions are most effective when they reinforce one another.

Clean energy paired with energy efficiency reduces emissions faster while lowering household costs. Climate-resilient agriculture combined with ecosystem restoration improves food security while increasing carbon sequestration. Cities designed around public transit, green spaces, and efficient buildings reduce pollution and improve public health (Rockström et al., 2017).

Education and public awareness are equally critical, as well. Teaching climate literacy at an early age helps shape a generation that understands planetary boundaries, resource limitations, and the consequences of unsustainable growth and consumption. When young people learn these concepts in school, they're more likely to adopt responsible lifestyles, question harmful norms, and lead future decisions differently.

This is a shared responsibility. Civil society, educators, and policymakers all play a role in embedding climate education into school curricula. Equipping young people with systems thinking and environmental awareness creates future leaders prepared not only to respond to climate risks but also to prevent them.

**Why This Matters for People**

Systems thinking isn't just about technology; it's about people.

Climate solutions that ignore affordability, access, and local realities often fail. Clean energy projects that raise energy bills can deepen inequality. Adaptation plans that overlook community knowledge may miss practical, low-cost solutions already in place. When people are part of the design process, solutions tend to be more durable, equitable, and effective.

Effective climate action happens when policies, financing, technology, education, and behavior change move in the same direction. Governments, businesses, communities, and individuals all play a role. When these efforts align, climate action delivers more than emissions reductions; it supports healthier communities, stronger economies, and a fairer transition (UNEP, 2023).

**From "Either–Or" to "Both–And"**

The climate crisis is too complex for one-dimensional thinking. We don't need to choose between clean energy or conservation, technology or nature, individual action or systemic change. We need all of them.

Integrated climate action moves us beyond false choices towards smarter solutions that work together. No single climate solution will save us; but many solutions, designed as part of an interconnected system, just might work magic!

_Nazwa W. B. Salim is an Independent Sustainability Consultant specializing in climate-aligned infrastructure, ESG strategy and clean energy transitions. Her work advances systems thinking, equitable decarbonization, climate storytelling, advocacy, and the governance of complex infrastructure to support climate-smart, community-focused development._

**References:**

Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC). (2023). Climate Change 2023: Synthesis Report. Contribution of Working Groups I, II and III to the Sixth Assessment Report. Geneva: IPCC.

International Energy Agency (IEA). (2023). Net Zero by 2050: A Roadmap for the Global Energy Sector. Paris: IEA. <https://www.iea.org/reports/net-zero-by-2050>

United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP). (2023). Emissions Gap Report 2023. Nairobi: UNEP. <https://www.unep.org/resources/emissions-gap-report-2023>

Rockström, J., Gaffney, O., Rogelj, J., Meinshausen, M., Nakicenovic, N., & Schellnhuber, H. J. (2017). A roadmap for rapid decarbonization. _Science_, 355(6331), 1269-1271.


The Power of Integrated Climate Action

The U.S. residential solar industry faces supply chain obstacles and antagonism from the White House, but advocates remain confident that its future is (pardon the pun) bright.

“I think solar is inevitable. It's really a question not of if solar is going to be at the cornerstone of our energy system, but really how quickly will individual families, businesses, communities be able to benefit from it,” said Ben Delman, editorial director for the nongovernmental advocacy organization[ Solar United Neighbors](https://solarunitedneighbors.org/).

Solar panels cost 99% less than they did in the 1970s, [researchers at MIT have found](https://news.mit.edu/2025/surprisingly-diverse-innovations-led-to-dramatically-cheaper-solar-panels-0811). As costs plummeted, installation of electricity-generating photovoltaic (PV) panels rose steadily throughout the 21st century. By 2023, solar energy represented 55% of added electricity-generating capacity in the United States, according to Statista. Just over a quarter of all solar capacity comes from residential systems.

The benefits are multiple, the [U.S. Department of Energy points out](https://www.energy.gov/energysaver/benefits-residential-solar-electricity): reduced utility bills, increased home values, and access to an energy source found everywhere.

The Biden administration sought to supercharge renewable energy with the 2022 Inflation Reduction Act (IRA). That law offered a host of clean energy credit programs, including the Residential Clean Energy Credit, which provided tax credits equal to 30% of the expense for preparation, assembly, or installation of solar panels and other renewable energy technologies.  The IRA also established the $7 billion Solar for All program within the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, which issued 60 grants for states, Indian tribes, municipalities, and other stakeholders to support residential solar installation in low-income and disadvantaged communities.

PV capacity installations in the residential sector rose from 4,200 megawatts in 2021 to 5,900 in 2022 and 6,800 in 2023, [Statista says](https://www.statista.com/statistics/185694/us-residential-annual-pv-installed-capacity-since-2005/). About 7% of homes nationwide have solar electricity, according to the Solar Energy Industries Association (SEIA), leaving plenty of runway for further growth.

[But the Trump administration cut off the Residential Clean Energy Credit program at the close of 2025](https://www.earthhero.org/articles/clock-ticking-for-ev-clean-energy-tax-credits/), nearly a decade before it was originally scheduled to expire. The EPA also announced its intention to claw back the Solar for All grants, a move being contested in federal court by a coalition of states and the District of Columbia.

The Trump administration’s well-recognized antipathy to clean energy is not the only obstacle facing the solar industry. Even as would-be residential users rushed to install systems on their homes before the tax credits disappeared, they (among other stakeholders) faced solar panel shortages that are expected to continue through 2026, SEIA said in its[ fourth-quarter 2025 solar market report](https://seia.org/research-resources/solar-market-insight-report-q4-2025/). Still, “low costs, faster permitting and broad social acceptance are set to continue to drive the accelerating adoption of solar PV,” the industry trade organization. added “As a result, capacity is set to more than double between 2025 and 2030 compared with the 2019 to 2024 period.”

Delman does not dismiss the challenges coming from Washington, D.C., and beyond but emphasizes that is not the entire story when it comes to promoting solar.

“If you look at energy policy writ large, so much of it is made at the state and local level. And I think there's a real opportunity for solar supporters to make their voices heard in state houses, at local county commission meetings, as a way to protect and grow opportunities for solar energy,” he said.

Supporting permitting properties for solar use is one avenue, Delman stated: “What can we do to speed up the permitting approval process, the interconnection process, the process by which you get your utility to give the thumbs up to let you turn your system on.”

Individuals and communities can also monitor how their local utilities are managing net metering - the practice of providing credits to a customer’s bill for electricity they provide to the grid through renewable energy installations. He noted a proposal from Dominion Energy in Virginia that would decrease net metering customers’ compensation and add fees. “No matter where you live, there's probably some way that you can take part in fighting for more solar energy,” Delman said.

Consumer education is another important element, he noted. Solar United Neighbors offers a [help desk](https://solarunitedneighbors.org/help-desk/) to answer questions from prospective or current system owners as part of its mission to advance renewable energy, with a focus on rooftop solar. The organization also offers a service through which it will review up to three proposals a consumer receives for an installation to help the prospective owner get the best deal.

“One of the things that we see over and over is that when people share their story and tell their neighbors, tell their friends, hey, I went solar and I did good in solar, I'm saving money, I'm really glad I did this,” Delman said. “That sort of word of mouth I think is really valuable because just having that kind of personal recommendation from somebody you trust is worth its weight in gold.”

Here are some additional resources for residential consumers considering solar power:

- [Solar Energy Industries Association](https://seia.org/research-resources/residential-consumer-guide/)
- [U.S. Department of Energy](https://www.energy.gov/eere/solar/homeowners-guide-solar)
- [EnergySage](https://www.energysage.com/solar/)
- [Center for Sustainable Energy](https://energycenter.org/thought-leadership/blog/solar-energy-adoption-information-homeowners-and-small-businesses)

Earth Hero also offers dozens of actions that energy-minded individuals and communities can take to reduce their greenhouse gas output. You can find them [here](https://www.earthhero.org/act/category/energy/). 


The Sun is Not Setting on Solar

Artificial intelligence is arguably one of the most powerful tools humans have ever built. It can spot methane leaks from space, predict deadly storms, and help governments respond faster to climate threats. But the same technology promising to protect the planet is also applying more pressure on our environment.

Described in a [2024 Forbes report](https://www.forbes.com/sites/bernardmarr/2024/10/31/why-artificial-superintelligence-could-be-humanitys-final-invention/) as “the genius that never sleeps”, AI processes information at digital speed and solves many complex problems far faster than humans. Its rise marks a major technological inflection point, reshaping fields from healthcare and finance to environmental protection. Studies show AI can support climate action, environmental monitoring, and sustainability planning in ways never before possible. Yet as its influence grows, so do the environmental costs behind the scenes, creating a tension between AI’s promise and its footprint.

**AI as a Tool for Environmental Protection**

One of the most convincing uses of AI in environmental governance can be found in initiatives led by the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP). UNEP supports the International Methane Emissions Observatory (IMEO), a global platform that uses AI to monitor methane emissions and help in their reduction. According to a 2022 report by UNEP, IMEO’s technology allows for the integration of diverse methane data streams at an unprecedented level of accuracy. By leveraging AI, the platform connects data with science, transparency, and policy, enabling governments and stakeholders to make data-driven decisions, significantly strengthening global climate action.

Another UNEP co-founded initiative, developed in partnership with IQAir, is the Global Environment Monitoring System (GEMS) Air Pollution Platform, the world’s largest air quality information network. IQAir aggregates data from over 25,000 monitoring stations across more than 140 countries and applies AI to analyze real-time air quality trends (see [how-artificial-intelligence-helping-tackle-environmental-challenges](https://www.unep.org/news-and-stories/story/how-artificial-intelligence-helping-tackle-environmental-challenges)). These initiatives help governments and health agencies design effective air pollution and public health protection measures.

Going beyond emissions and air quality, AI has also transformed hazard prediction and disaster preparedness. According to a 2018 research report by Columbia Climate School, AI systems can identify tropical cyclones, atmospheric rivers, and weather fronts with 89–99 percent accuracy, phenomena that are often difficult for humans to detect in time (see [artificial-intelligence-climate-environment/](https://news.climate.columbia.edu/2018/06/05/artificial-intelligence-climate-environment/)). This improved forecasting helps reduce loss of life, strengthen emergency response, and improve climate resilience.

AI also supports ecosystem and wildlife monitoring. Its rapid processing capacity enables near real-time satellite analysis to detect illegal logging, monitor biodiversity loss, assess water quality, detect underground leaks in water systems, and predict infrastructure maintenance needs. In disaster management, AI can simulate extreme weather events, identify vulnerabilities, and coordinate real-time response efforts.

Given all these applications, AI is increasingly viewed as a solution to many human and environmental problems. However, this optimistic narrative tells only half the story.

**The Hidden Environmental Cost of AI**

Building a world powered by AI requires enormous physical infrastructure, data centers, servers, cooling systems, and vast energy supplies. While AI enables better environmental monitoring, the process of training and deploying AI systems is itself environmentally expensive.

According to a 2025 report by the World Resources Institute, AI systems at scale require vast amounts of electricity and water. The International Energy Agency (IEA) reports that a typical AI-focused data center consumes as much electricity as 100,000 households, while the largest data centers currently under construction are expected to consume up to 20 times more. In the United States alone, peak electricity demand is projected to rise by 128 gigawatts by 2029, largely driven by AI-related data centers (see [insights/ai-promise-and-peril-for-planet](https://www.wri.org/insights/ai-promise-and-peril-for-planet)).

This surge in energy demand directly translates into higher greenhouse gas emissions, particularly in regions still dependent on fossil fuels (oil, gas, coal). At the same time, water-intensive cooling systems place additional pressure on already stressed water supplies, especially in drought-prone areas. Rising electricity prices and water scarcity further burden households that are already struggling to make ends meet.

UN officials have also warned that the broader information and communications technology (ICT) sector accounts for approximately 3–4 percent of global emissions, with data centres being major contributors (see [ai-promise-and-peril-for-planet](https://www.wri.org/insights/ai-promise-and-peril-for-planet)). While different initiatives by the UN such as the CODES Action Plan for a Sustainable Planet in the Digital Age, aim to reduce this footprint, the environmental cost of AI still remains substantial.

Another overlooked consequence of AI expansion is electronic waste (e-waste). As AI hardware becomes obsolete, discarded servers, chips, and electronic devices accumulate. According to the UN Global E-waste Monitor, only 17.4 percent of global e-waste is currently recycled in an environmentally sound manner. Alarmingly, global e-waste is projected to reach nearly 75 million metric tonnes by 2030 (see [how-artificial-intelligence-helping-tackle-environmental-challenges](https://www.unep.org/news-and-stories/story/how-artificial-intelligence-helping-tackle-environmental-challenges)). Without effective recycling systems and circular economy strategies, the AI revolution risks accelerating environmental degradation through toxic waste, resource depletion, and pollution.

**So, What Is the Way Forward?**

Every development trajectory comes with trade-offs, and artificial intelligence is no exception. In a world where AI is rapidly becoming the backbone of innovation, the critical question is no longer whether AI can help the environment, but how its benefits can be achieved without worsening environmental harm.

Solar-powered AI is increasingly discussed as a practical way to reduce the environmental footprint of artificial intelligence systems. Instead of relying solely on grid electricity, often generated from fossil fuels, AI infrastructure can be partially or fully powered by on-site or off-site solar energy, particularly for data centres and edge computing systems.

In regions with high solar potential, data centres can integrate large-scale solar farms and rooftop solar installations to offset a significant portion of their electricity demand. While solar power alone may not yet meet the constant, 24-hour energy needs of large AI systems, it can meaningfully reduce dependence on carbon-intensive grids, especially during peak daylight hours.

Also, addressing e-waste requires enforceable producer responsibility. Manufacturers and large AI firms can be required to participate in take-back, refurbishment, and recycling schemes, especially for servers and high-performance computing equipment. Extending hardware lifecycles through reuse will be better for the environment than replacement with new systems.

With the right research, laws, regulations, and energy choices, AI can become part of the climate solution rather than part of the problem.

**Also see:** [Are AI Chatbots Biased on Climate?](https://www.earthhero.org/articles/are-ai-chatbots-biased-on-climate/)


When Artificial Intelligence Meets the Environment

To respond effectively to climate change, it's essential that people in the United States and around the world put aside partisan differences and act together as a collective.

Even though there's disagreement on the causes and consequences of climate change, many Republican states have already taken steps to promote renewable energy in order to drive job growth. Iowa, Kansas, and Oklahoma have set ambitious targets for solar and wind power. Texas is a leader in solar. Economic, environmental, and health benefits of renewables will benefit everyone, regardless of political affiliation. While some politicians rely on oil and gas companies for campaign contributions, that does not mean progress is not being made in other areas or by leaders who are not as dependent on fossil fuel money.

The global economy is shifting toward renewable energy sources like solar, wind, and geothermal. If the U.S. stalls in transitioning to renewable energy at scale, we'll risk being left behind in the growing market for clean energy technology. This is not an environmental issue alone — it's also a matter of economic security. If the states continue to rely on fossil fuels, other countries will increasingly turn to alternative suppliers, leaving the states vulnerable to fluctuations in global markets.

The costs associated with inaction on climate change could cost the world’s economy [US$178 trillion by 2070](https://www.deloitte.com/global/en/about/press-room/deloitte-research-reveals-inaction-on-climate-change-could-cost-the-world-economy-us-dollar-178-trillion-by-2070.html). Extreme weather events and changing patterns will impact agricultural productivity and infrastructure, plus impact human health and lives. Not to mention the risk of the [extinction of 1 million species](https://www.unep.org/news-and-stories/press-release/natures-dangerous-decline-unprecedented-species-extinction-rates). While some politicians may downplay the urgency of global warming, many agree that the consequences of inaction will be catastrophic.

Democrats are more likely to believe that present-day climate change is caused by burning coal, oil, and natural gas and that a rapid transition to renewable energy is necessary to avoid catastrophic climate and ecological breakdown. Even if Republicans do not agree with Democrats, producing EVs, solar, wind power, and geothermal energy will help us remain a relevant economic power, create jobs, ensure cleaner air and water, and, in turn, reduce healthcare costs.

By coming together across party lines, we can invest in renewable energy and build a sustainable, healthier, and more prosperous future for ourselves and generations to come. Together we can.


The Importance of Bipartisanship

BioGas from municipal solid waste and agricultural residues is becoming a cornerstone of the circular economy revolution. This model, which is based on reducing, reusing, and recycling materials, has gained traction with new technologies and a growing recognition of waste as a valuable resource.

Recent data shows the economic potential of this transformation. In 2024, analysts valued the circular economy market at about [463 billion](https://www.thebusinessresearchcompany.com/report/circular-economy-global-market-report), and they project it will reach [518 billion](https://www.thebusinessresearchcompany.com/report/circular-economy-global-market-report) in 2025, growing nearly 12% annually. Optimistic forecasts suggest the sector could hit [$798 billion](https://www.thebusinessresearchcompany.com/report/circular-economy-global-market-report) by 2029. The World Economic Forum estimates that if the global recycling rate reaches 95% (an aspirational target), the circular economy could unlock [5.6 trillion](https://www.anim8co.com/state-of-the-circular-economy) in opportunities between 2030 and 2050.

Urban centers face a significant challenge in managing municipal solid waste, since improper disposal contaminates soil and water. Converting this waste into BioGas offers a sustainable solution. Through anaerobic digestion, the organic fraction of MSW produces methane and carbon dioxide, which serve as renewable energy sources. Companies such as [Waste Management, Inc. (WM)](https://www.wm.com/) lead this effort, operating U.S. facilities that produce millions of cubic meters of BioGas annually. Their initiatives cut greenhouse gas emissions, reduce landfill waste, and supply energy for electricity, heat, or even renewable vehicle fuel. This positions BioGas as a key driver of the low-carbon economy while reducing fossil fuel dependence.

Agriculture also plays a strategic role in this revolution. Farmers can transform cattle, pig, and poultry waste, which is often discarded improperly, into BioGas. Anaerobic digestion not only generates energy but also produces nutrient-rich digestate that farmers can use as organic fertilizer, closing the nutrient cycle. The process reduces odors, lowers health risks linked to poor waste management, and increases rural energy self-sufficiency by providing power directly on farms.

Together, municipal and agricultural BioGas show how the circular economy can turn waste into opportunity. This model promotes environmental sustainability while also driving social and economic development. Yet the Circle Economy Foundation’s _Circularity Gap Report 2025_ reveals that the world is only 6.9% circular - meaning that this fraction of the materials that enter the global economy return to production cycles instead of becoming waste or emissions. The report stresses that real circularity requires more than minimizing the harms of a linear economy—it calls for systemic change that builds resilience, creates business opportunities, and delivers broad social and environmental benefits.

Investing in BioGas production and waste valorization technologies is essential to building a more sustainable and resilient future.
See other [Energy](https://www.earthhero.org/articles/category/energy/) and [Travel and Transport](https://www.earthhero.org/articles/category/travel-and-transport/) coverage in the [Earth Hero Articles](https://www.earthhero.org/articles/) section.


The Role of BioGas in the Circular Economy Revolution

Climate change is accelerating global poverty. According to a [World Bank Group report](https://www.worldbank.org/en/news/feature/2020/10/07/global-action-urgently-needed-to-halt-historic-threats-to-poverty-reduction), climate change poses an ongoing threat to poverty reduction and is projected to push between 68 million and 135 million people into poverty by 2030. Sub-Saharan Africa and South Asia regions, where most of the global poor reside, are particularly vulnerable. Rising food prices, deteriorating health outcomes, and the increasing frequency of floods and other natural disasters disproportionately affect low-income populations, exacerbating existing inequalities.

But poverty is not just a consequence of climate change; it is also a major barrier to solving the broader climate change problem. Poverty restricts access to the very tools and systems needed for climate resilience. In many vulnerable regions, communities lack basic infrastructure, such as clean energy, reliable transportation, climate-smart housing, and other factors that would allow them to reduce emissions or withstand environmental shocks. Without financial security, people are forced to make short-term decisions that often harm the environment, such as overharvesting natural resources or settling in flood-prone areas. This is evidenced by a World Bank report, which revealed that the poorest countries contribute less than 10% of global emissions, yet they suffer the most from climate disasters (see [For the Poorest Countries, Climate Action is Development in Action](https://www.worldbank.org/en/news/feature/2023/12/02/for-the-poorest-countries-climate-action-is-development-in-action)).

Traditional practices, such as bush burning used in hunting and land clearing, are still prevalent in some regions. These activities contribute to deforestation, loss of biodiversity, and increased greenhouse gas emissions that remain in the atmosphere for centuries. Without providing people with alternatives and awareness, these damaging practices will likely continue, making global environmental goals harder to achieve. Also, many of the lifestyle changes and technological adaptations needed to combat climate change come at a cost that the world’s poorest cannot afford. In many of the least developed countries (LDCs), firewood and charcoal remain primary sources of energy for cooking, either because people are unaware of the environmental impact or because cleaner alternatives are unaffordable. 

Education also plays a pivotal role. Rural inhabitants in many parts of the world are often unaware of the concept of climate change, largely due to a combination of low literacy levels, limited access to information, and inadequate infrastructure (see[ ](https://www.pewresearch.org/global/2022/08/31/climate-change-remains-top-global-threat-across-19-country-survey)[Climate Change Remains Top Global Threat Across 19-Country Survey](https://www.pewresearch.org/global/2022/08/31/climate-change-remains-top-global-threat-across-19-country-survey/)). A Pew Research Center report also found that in several countries, people with more education tend to express greater concern about climate change than those with less education. This underscores the need for climate literacy initiatives to accompany poverty alleviation efforts.

Furthermore, as the world shifts towards more sustainable technologies, such as electric vehicles (EVs), another layer of inequality becomes clear. While EVs are widely promoted for their role in reducing carbon emissions, their high costs make them inaccessible to low-income groups. Countries leading the EV revolution tend to have higher standards of living and better infrastructure, leaving LDCs far behind in the transition to greener alternatives (see [Electric cars: lower-income countries fall behind, with uptake linked to GDP per capita](https://www.acea.auto/press-release/electric-cars-lower-income-countries-fall-behind-with-uptake-linked-to-gdp-per-capita/)).

Poverty is more than just a social or economic issue; it is a barrier to environmental sustainability. Without addressing poverty, especially in the most vulnerable regions, efforts to combat climate change will be limited in scope and effectiveness. Policymakers, environmentalists, and global development agencies must acknowledge this connection. Empowering the poor with education, affordable technology, and sustainable alternatives is not just an obligation for major economic agents. It is a strategic necessity in the fight against climate change.


Poverty: A Silent Obstacle to Climate Action

The “One, Big, Beautiful Bill” that President Donald Trump signed into law in July leaves just months for consumers to claim tax credits for purchasing electric vehicles and make clean energy improvements to their homes.

These programs were initiated or enhanced through then-President Joe Biden’s landmark Inflation Reduction Act of 2022. Their imminent elimination through the tax reconciliation bill is not a surprise, given Trump’s long-held antipathy for both clean energy programs, as well as for his onetime political foe and his continued promotion of the fossil fuels that are driving climate change. But the impact will be massive.

“The bill will raise energy costs and make it harder to keep the lights on,” said Steven Nadel, executive director of the nongovernmental American Council for an Energy-Efficient Economy (ACEEE), in a prepared statement after the Senate passed the legislation on July 1. “No one asked Congress to make their energy bills even higher. Taking away incentives for energy-saving improvements would raise monthly bills for families and businesses. It will only exacerbate the growing strain on the electric grid. And the bill goes out of its way to encourage automakers to produce inefficient cars that are costly to fuel.”

Among the programs coming to an end:

**Electric Vehicle Tax Credits**
Vehicles purchased after Sept. 30, 2025, will not qualify for the credits. The program, which provided up to $7,500 in federal income tax credits for purchasing a new EV or $4,000 for used vehicles, had been scheduled to continue until at least Dec. 31, 2032. (Earth Hero published an explainer on the program, which you can find [here](https://www.earthhero.org/articles/what-you-need-to-know-about-electric-vehicle-tax-credits/).)

Domestic sales of EVs rose by nearly 5% in the second quarter of 2025 from the preceding three-month period, to 310,839. This may signal that consumers are moving quickly to buy the vehicles before the incentives expire, Cox Automotive senior analyst Stephanie Valdez Streaty said in a[ market update](https://www.coxautoinc.com/market-insights/q2-2025-ev-sales/?utm_source=newsletter&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=newsletter_axiosgenerate&stream=top). However, the future is less promising, according to Streaty: “With government-backed incentives set to end in September and economic pressures mounting, the second half of the year will be a critical test of EV demand. Q3 will likely be a record, followed by a collapse in Q4, as the electric vehicle market adjusts to its new reality.”

Significant numbers of lower-and middle-class consumers will not be able to afford electric vehicles without the credits, noted Ingrid Malmgren, senior policy director for the advocacy organization [Plug In America, told the Associated Press](https://apnews.com/article/electric-vehicle-tax-credit-congress-trump-cars-077b3852263f7b473dc3619030611649). That puts them back in the market for gasoline-powered automobiles—in 2023, U.S. motor gasoline and diesel fuel use for U.S. transportation is believed to have emitted nearly 1.5 million metric tons of energy-linked carbon dioxide, nearly one-third of the energy sector total,[ according to the federal Energy Information Administration.](https://www.eia.gov/tools/faqs/faq.php?id=307&t=10)

**Residential Clean Energy Credit**
This program offers federal tax credits equal to 30% of the cost for eligible preparation, assembly, or installation of the following home clean energy projects: solar, wind, or geothermal power generation; solar water heaters; fuel cells; and battery storage technology.** **Originally scheduled to continue at least until 2034, the program now ends at the end of 2025.
For the 2023 tax year, $6.3 billion in Residential Clean Energy Credits were claimed through over 1.2 million tax returns—a $5,084 per-return average, [the U.S. Treasury Department said last year](https://home.treasury.gov/news/featured-stories/the-inflation-reduction-act-saving-american-households-money-while-reducing-climate-change-and-air-pollution). By far the most common project was rooftop solar, claimed on 752,300 tax returns for 2023.

**Energy Efficient Home Improvement Credit** 
This program provided up to $2,000 annually in tax credits for installing heat pumps, heat pump water heaters, and biomass stoves or boilers into homes. Separately, homeowners could receive a maximum of $1,200 annually for installation of energy-efficiency improvements, residential energy expenditures, and home energy audits. This program was planned to continue at least until 2032, but now expires on Dec. 31, by which time energy-efficiency products must be “placed in service”.

For the 2023 tax year, $2.1 billion in Energy Efficient Home Improvement Credits were claimed through more than 2.3 million tax returns—an $882 per-return average, according to the Treasury Department. That included 267,780 claims for heat pumps and 488,050 for central air conditioners. (Read Earth Hero’s explainer on residential energy tax credits [here](https://www.earthhero.org/articles/what-you-need-to-know-about-residential-energy-tax-credits/).)

“With or without the tax credit, these improvements bring energy savings that lower energy bills,” ACEEE Director of Federal Policy [Lowell Ungar told _Wired_ magazine](https://www.wired.com/story/congress-is-killing-clean-energy-tax-credits-heres-how-to-use-them-before-they-disappear/). “In some cases, improvements are going to be a no-brainer regardless.”

[The ACEEE has a comprehensive list](https://www.aceee.org/press-release/2025/07/congresss-megabill-would-raise-energy-costs-strain-electric-grid) of energy efficiency programs slashed by the One, Big, Beautiful Bill.

There are still many transportation actions individuals can use to reduce their carbon emissions. Earth Hero offers a list of actions [here](https://www.earthhero.org/act/category/travel-and-transport/).


Clock Ticking for EV, Clean Energy Tax Credits

Sustainability has become a central tenet of efforts across numerous industries seeking to reduce their contributions to climate change, from agriculture to construction to food and beverage - to aviation.

Like efforts in those other industries, there are many obstacles to widespread production and use of sustainable aviation fuel (SAF). To start, even the projected doubling of SAF production in 2025, to 2 million tonnes, would comprise just 0.7% of airline fuel need for the year, the International Air Transport Association said (as reported by[ _Airways_](https://www.airwaysmag.com/new-post/iata-agm-future-sustainable-aviation-fuel)_ _magazine). And even that amount would increase airlines’ fuel bills by $4.4 billion, illustrating the need to grow production and reduce costs if SAF is to be made economically viable.

Sustainable aviation fuel is produced using feedstocks that do not include petroleum in order to lower greenhouse gas emissions from air transportation, according to the [U.S. Department of Energy’s Alternative Fuels Data Center](https://afdc.energy.gov/fuels/sustainable-aviation-fuel). While aviation represents just 2% of global carbon dioxide emissions, it comprises 12% of those emissions from the transportation sector.

As of mid-2024, 18 companies were producing SAF and another 170 had announced plans for production, [according to Sustainable Aviation Futures](https://www.sustainableaviationfutures.com/saf-spotlight/global-saf-producers). The list of existing production pathways is shorter but extremely technical (for example, terms like “Fischer-Tropsch (FT) Synthetic Paraffinic Kerosene”).

The Biden administration included programs to drive up production of sustainable aviation fuel among a swath of initiatives aimed at reducing emissions and curbing climate change. That included, starting in 2021, an [SAF Grand Challenge](https://www.energy.gov/eere/bioenergy/sustainable-aviation-fuel-grand-challenge) to promote use of the fuel alongside three primary objectives: reducing life-cycle emissions by at least half compared to standard jet fuel; domestically produce three billion gallons of SAF annually by 2030; and increase that to 35 billion gallons by 2050 to meet domestic need.

Following Donald Trump’s re-election as president in November 2024, the Department of Energy is still working on synthetic aviation fuel in collaboration with the Department of Agriculture and Federal Aviation Administration, a DOE spokesperson said. “These efforts support the President’s Executive Order to Unleash American Energy Dominance, which calls out biofuels as a priority resource. DOE aims to increase the production of affordable, domestically produced fuels, create more export opportunities and fuel choices, support American farmers, and lower energy costs. Although DOE no longer uses the title ‘Sustainable Aviation Fuel Grand Challenge,’ the Department will continue working with industry, researchers, and other agencies to meet these objectives."

The Biden administration’s landmark Inflation Reduction Act also provided tax credits for production of SAF - currently the Section 45Z program that ramps up from $0.11 per gallon for fuel that cuts life-cycle emissions by half to $1.75 for zero-emission aviation fuel. Section 45Z, the Clean Fuel Production Credit, is scheduled to continue at least through the end of 2027. Surprisingly, given the Trump administration’s dismissal of climate change and clean energy, the version of its “One Big Beautiful” tax bill passed by the House of Representatives in May would extend the credit program to Dec. 31, 2031.

The list of SAF feedstocks is long: corn grain; algae; various fats, oils, and greases; waste from wood mills; manure and other wet wastes; and energy crops. They could be blended at different levels with today’s industry-standard Conventional Jet A fuel. Crops grown specifically as feedstock for sustainable aviation fuel could comprise most of the supply in the next six to 10 years, Adam Klauber, vice president, sustainability and digital supply chain at SAF producer World Energy, said in an [article published in May by the Trellis Group](https://trellis.net/article/sustainable-aviation-fuel-plans-under-fire-over-crop-emissions/).

This trend, though, would undermine the sustainability of sustainable aviation fuel, according to the World Resources Institute (WRI). “Because the amount of the aviation fuel tax credits is based on the life cycle greenhouse gas emissions of the alternative fuel, the method used to calculate life cycle emissions is crucial,” the nongovernmental climate research organization stated in a[ January 2025 expert note](https://www.wri.org/research/united-states-should-not-turn-food-aviation-fuel). “If this calculation underestimates increased emissions and other environmental consequences of land-use change, then the tax credits could be counterproductive. Aviation fuel made from food and feed crops is currently the most technologically mature and least expensive alternative to petroleum jet fuel. The problem is that it raises food prices and does not meaningfully lower carbon emissions from aviation when land use impacts are considered - instead, likely increasing emissions.”

The Department of Energy projects that by 2030 effectively all U.S.-supplied alternative jet fuel will be derived from two crop-intensive sources, WRI said: hydroprocessing of used fats, oils, and greases, along with virgin vegetable oil, and converting corn alcohol or other alcohol types. Using soybeans and corn that would otherwise go to food and feed markets - which the WRI authors, U.S. director Dan Lashof and research associate Audrey Denvir, cited as the leading U.S. approach today - increases the cost of food and promotes deforestation, reduction in biodiversity, and emissions due to changing land uses, the report says.

The Treasury Department’s tax-credit program allows SAF producers to apply models “that include unrealistically low estimates of land-use change emissions from using food and feed crops,” WRI asserts. Specifically, the agency’s “guidance for implementing the credits for Section 45Z allows the use of an alternative model that yields lower estimates for life cycle emissions than the approach adopted by [the International Civil Aviation Organization]. Instead of correcting this problem, the revisions to the 45Z tax credit passed by the House would move in the opposite direction - eliminating any accounting for indirect land use change in estimates of life cycle emissions from alternative aviation fuels.”

Lashof and Denvir urged federal and state governments to focus on SAF feedstocks and technologies that avoid those food and land-use risks. For feedstocks, the report highlights waste biomass, carbon collected from the atmosphere, and clean hydrogen. Preferable technologies include biomass gasification and using clean hydrogen and captured carbon dioxide to produce electrofuels.

In[ a separate working report issued in May](https://www.wri.org/research/biomass-and-land-use-decarbonizing-us-economy), the World Resources Institute said use of biomass - which it defines as “any material of a biogenic origin, including woody crops, perennial herbaceous crops, food crops, forestry residues, certain municipal wastes, and agricultural residues” -  for aviation fuel must be conducted carefully.

“Crop-based biofuels, such as corn ethanol or soybean oil aviation fuel, are not effective uses of biomass for decarbonization,” the report says. “When the land-use cost is considered, it is clear that biofuels do not provide reduced greenhouse gas emissions over fossil fuels.”

The World Resource Institute said its modeling for carbon opportunity cost for using corn and soybeans as feedstock for energy rather than food - based on data from the Department of Energy’s Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory - resulted in figures several multiples higher than the land use to biofuels figures applied by the federal Renewable Fuel Standard and California’s Low Carbon Fuel Standard. For corn ethanol, a land-use emissions intensity of 103.6 grams of carbon dioxide equivalent per megajoule, compared to the Renewable Fuel Standard’s indirect land-use change emissions factor of 32 and the Low Carbon Fuel Standard’s 28; for soy bio-based diesel, 180.4, compared respectively to 36 for the federal standard and 29 for the state standard.

Speaking to Trellis, Klauber pushed back forcefully against the WRI position. “Context is everything,” the executive said, saying WRI researchers had applied a carbon intensity figure for soy production that was significantly elevated when compared to the figure employed by separate academic and environmental organizations. The farming approach should also be considered, Klauber added, noting the potential to grow biofuels at the same time or place as food crops, or during seasons when those food crops are not being cultivated.

“That is broadly accepted as a sustainable practice, but it’s not yet at commercial scale,” Klauber said. “We’re working to increase that, because that really will be a way to increase the productivity of land without impacting food.”

Consumers can take many actions to reduce their own transport and travel emissions. Earth Hero offers some recommendations [here](https://www.earthhero.org/act/category/travel-and-transport/).


Making Sustainable Aviation Fuel Sustainable

Carbon taxes (also known as pollution taxes) were introduced as a straightforward economic tool to tackle climate change. According to the Center for Climate and Energy Solutions (C2ES), a carbon tax works by charging emitters a set price for every ton of greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions they release into the atmosphere; see [Carbon Tax Basics](https://www.c2es.org/content/carbon-tax-basics/). The idea is simple: put a price on pollution, and both consumers and businesses will find cleaner, more efficient alternatives to avoid paying that cost.

But do they work? The answer is yes… but not always for the reasons policymakers hope.

**A Noble Premise**
The premise behind carbon taxes is that when carbon-intensive activities like burning fossil fuels become more expensive, markets will naturally shift toward lower-emission alternatives. By 2024, 37 carbon tax programs had been implemented worldwide, from British Columbia to South Africa. In Canada, for example, the federal government charges $80 CAD per ton of CO₂ as of April 2024, and plans to increase it to $170 by 2030; see [How carbon pricing works](https://www.canada.ca/en/environment-climate-change/services/climate-change/pricing-pollution-how-it-will-work/putting-price-on-carbon-pollution.html). Sometimes, the revenues are returned to the public through rebates, aiming to ease the financial burden while keeping the incentive to cut emissions intact.

A 2017 study by the Center for Climate and Energy Solutions estimated that a $49 per ton tax in the U.S. could raise $2.2 trillion in revenue over a decade, while significantly cutting emissions. In Canada, government projections suggest that carbon pricing (combined with other measures) could account for nearly half of the country’s emissions reductions by 2030.

**Incentives, Motivation and Behavior**
Charging people for pollution can indeed lead to lower emissions, but not because everyone suddenly becomes an environmentalist. Electric vehicles (EVs), for example, are often seen as a carbon-friendly alternative to gasoline-powered cars. But according to a 2024 Statista report, the top reason consumers buy EVs isn't climate concern, it’s high fuel prices. Only about a third of global consumers cite environmental concerns as a major motivator.

While carbon pricing sends a clear market signal, the real test is behavioral. Do people actually change how they live, drive, or shop out of a genuine desire to preserve the environment? Not exactly,  More often, it’s because it hits their wallets. High fuel prices, increased utility bills, and costlier goods drive shifts in consumption and investment.

Similarly, a McKinsey survey found that many European EV owners who are thinking about switching back to gas-powered vehicles care more about convenience and driving performance than ecological impact. Among some EV enthusiasts, sustainability isn’t always the top priority. See: [How European consumers perceive electric vehicles](https://www.mckinsey.com/industries/automotive-and-assembly/our-insights/how-european-consumers-perceive-electric-vehicles).

Status plays a role, too. In many markets, EVs particularly from brands like Tesla, Polestar, or Lucid are perceived as high-tech status symbols. Their sophisticated design, and smart features appeal to buyers who view car ownership as an extension of personal style and social identity. For some, driving an EV isn't just about saving the planet, it's about being seen as forward-thinking, modern, and affluent.

**Challenges of Promoting Sustainable Behavior**
What does this tell us? The government needs to try other creative ways to encourage people to make greener choices. Carbon taxes help, but they’re not enough on their own. While economic tools like carbon taxes have their place, they must be complemented by strategies that tap into human psychology and social dynamics.

Social incentives, leveraging community norms and peer influence, can further promote sustainable behavior. Highlighting the growing adoption of green lifestyles and showcasing the benefits can encourage others to follow suit. This influence can be significantly amplified through celebrities, who serve as powerful role models. By endorsing eco-friendly products and lifestyles in social media campaigns and adverts, popular figures can shape trends, normalize sustainable choices, and inspire millions to adopt greener habits.

Introducing rewards programs that track and reward sustainable actions with points or recognition can also foster engagement and long-term behavior change. Ultimately, a well-designed incentive system, encompassing financial benefits, convenience, social influence, and engaging mechanisms, can effectively bridge the gap between environmental awareness and consistent eco-friendly actions, paving the way for a more sustainable future.

Also see these recent articles: [Electric Mobility: Sustainable Paths to a Future in Motion](https://www.earthhero.org/articles/electric-mobility-sustainable-paths-to-a-future-in-motion/), [Electric Vehicles: A Climate Savior or Just Noise?](https://www.earthhero.org/articles/electric-vehicles-a-climate-savior-or-just-noise/), and [Fix Laws, not just Litterbugs: The Power of Climate Policy](https://www.earthhero.org/articles/fix-laws-not-just-litterbugs-the-power-of-climate-policy/%5C). And take your own [Climate Action](https://www.earthhero.org/act/) today!


Do Carbon Taxes Reduce Emissions?

Ever finish eating while in a vehicle and wondered, "Where do I drop this trash?" This dilemma reflects a broader issue: the absence of simple waste management systems integrated into our vehicles. While vehicle manufacturers have initiated the idea of recycling old vehicles to reduce metallic waste and promote a sustainable environment, not many vehicle manufacturers have considered integrating waste management features into vehicle designs. Sophistication, comfort, and physical attraction often dominate design priorities, leaving practical solutions for everyday waste disposal overlooked.  However, integrating waste management features into vehicle designs can be a low-hanging fruit and a big deal in defining class and innovation.

**The Growing Waste Problem**

According to the United Nations report, municipal solid waste is predicted to rise from 2.1 billion tonnes in 2023 to 3.8 billion tonnes by 2050 (See [global-waste management-outlook-2024](https://www.unep.org/resources/global-waste-management-outlook-2024)). Another report by the World Bank reveals that in 2020, an estimated 2.24 billion tonnes of solid waste were generated globally, equating to an average of 0.79 kilograms per person daily. This problem is intensifying, with projections indicating a 73% rise by 2050, resulting in an annual total of 3.88 billion tonnes (See [Solid Waste Management](https://www.worldbank.org/en/topic/urbandevelopment/brief/solid-waste-management)). These costs manifest not only as direct waste management expenses but also through hidden costs such as environmental pollution, deteriorating public health, and climate change. Mismanaged waste contributes to pollution, poor public health, and environmental degradation, with oceans bearing the cost of plastic contamination. To address this, innovative solutions are urgently needed and the redesigning of vehicles to accommodate waste disposal can be a part of this answer.

**Rethinking Vehicle Design**

While manufacturers focus on sophistication, class, and comfort, few have considered how vehicles could directly contribute to solving environmental crises. Adding waste management features like waste bags, buckets, or simple hanging spaces could revolutionize how we tackle waste disposal on the go.  Public buses could also have separate compartments for recyclables, biodegradable waste, and general trash, reducing landfill contributions.
Imagine vehicles equipped with waste management systems designed to simplify and encourage proper disposal.

These features could include:

**_Built-In Waste Bins or Bags_**
Small, discreet waste compartments in passenger vehicles could provide convenient places for passengers to dispose of trash without littering. These bins could be removable for easy cleaning and replacement.

**_Hanging Waste Spaces_**
Adding hooks or designated spaces for waste bags inside vehicles whether private cars or public transport would address the "where do I drop this" dilemma. A simple addition like this would go a long way in reducing roadside litter.

**The Environmental Benefits**

In an era where sustainability is critical, incorporating waste management features represents a forward-thinking opportunity. Beyond comfort and performance, vehicles can embody environmental responsibility.** **Adding waste disposal features to vehicles could significantly reduce litter in public spaces, improve recycling rates, and lower the environmental burden of waste mismanagement.

Consumers could also play a role in this transformation by demanding sustainable vehicle features and using them responsibly. Governments and regulatory bodies can also incentivize manufacturers to adopt eco-friendly designs, including waste management systems. Public-private partnerships could pilot waste-friendly vehicle designs in cities, especially in areas grappling with waste crises.

By redesigning vehicles with waste disposal systems, we can shift from viewing vehicles solely as transport tools to seeing them as agents of environmental preservation. We can make vehicles part of the solution, one waste bag or bucket at a time.

For other waste management ideas, see [From Waste to Wealth: Paid Waste Returns Could Be a Double Win for Developing Countries](https://www.earthhero.org/articles/from-waste-to-wealth--paid-waste-returns-could-be-a-double-win-for-developing-countries/). 


Driving Out Waste: Designing Vehicles with Built-In Disposal Features

The bioeconomy is based on the responsible and sustainable use of biological resources to create products and services that reduce dependence on non-renewable resources. This economic model combines agricultural, forestry, fishing and aquaculture practices with technological advances to establish a value chain that honors natural cycles and promotes biodiversity.

Energy efficiency is one of the cornerstones of the bioeconomy, with the aim of maximizing the use of each resource. For example, transforming agricultural and food waste into energy or other valuable byproducts increases the energy efficiency of production systems. Furthermore, the use of biomass to generate clean energy illustrates how the bioeconomy helps to build a more sustainable energy matrix.

Another key feature of the bioeconomy is waste reduction. Through advanced technologies and improved procedures, we can convert previously discarded waste into new materials or energy, fostering a circular economy. These actions not only reduce the impact on the environment, but also provide a path to sustainable economic development, where every component is appreciated and nothing is wasted.

**Bioenergy and Its Contribution to the Energy Transition**

Bioenergy includes forms of renewable energy originating from biological resources and is crucial for a sustainable energy transition. The most relevant types of bioenergy include biofuels, biomass and biogas, each with a distinct function in the energy matrix.

Raw materials for biofuel production include sugar cane, corn and vegetable oils. In Europe and the United States, biodiesel is widely produced from vegetable oils such as rapeseed (canola), soybean and sunflower oil, as well as waste products such as used cooking oil and animal fat. This type of biodiesel, produced from renewable raw materials, helps to reduce dependence on petroleum, as it is a more sustainable fuel alternative. Though the fossil fuels that go into producing the crops much also be accounted for.

Biodiesel offers environmental benefits, as its combustion can generate fewer greenhouse gas emissions and significantly reduces local pollutants when done in sustainable ways. In addition, European and North American policy encourages the use of biofuels through regulations and incentives, such as [the Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS)](https://afdc.energy.gov/laws/RFS.html) in the US and [the Renewable Energy Directive (RED)](https://energy.ec.europa.eu/topics/renewable-energy/renewable-energy-directive-targets-and-rules/renewable-energy-directive_en#recommendations-and-guidance-notes) in Europe, which aim to reduce carbon emissions and promote the use of renewable sources. In Brazil, sugarcane ethanol has a major positive impact on reducing carbon emissions when compared to gasoline. According to the Sugarcane Industry Union (UNICA), Brazilian ethanol emits up to 90% less greenhouse gasses compared to fossil fuels, thanks to the efficiency and sustainability of its production process.

Biomass includes organic resources, such as wood, agricultural and forestry residues, which can be transformed into energy through combustion or pyrolysis processes. In several European nations, biomass is used for heating and electricity production, contributing to the replacement of fossil fuels and the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions.

Biogas is generated from the anaerobic decomposition of organic waste, such as agricultural residues, sewage sludge and animal excrement. This energy source is usually used to produce electricity and heat, but it can also be purified and used as a gas. For example, in Germany, biogas plants are part of [the national renewable energy strategy](https://www.fnr.de/fileadmin/allgemein/pdf/broschueren/broschuere_basisdaten_bioenergie_2020_engl_web.pdf), helping to reduce waste and generate clean energy.

These bioenergy sources play a crucial role in global energy sustainability, contributing to reducing emissions, managing waste and promoting a more circular economy.

**Technological Innovation in the Bioeconomy**

Remarkable advances in bioengineering, biotechnology and nanotechnology are transforming the bioeconomy. These technologies enable the manipulation of living things at the molecular and genetic levels, generating effective and innovative solutions for the sustainable generation of energy and other resources.

Bioengineering and biotechnology are at the forefront of creating plant and microorganism cultures capable of generating biofuels and chemicals with high productivity and low environmental impact. For example, genetic engineering has enabled the development of algae capable of efficiently converting sunlight and CO2 into bio-oil.

Nanotechnology is also transforming the bioeconomy, particularly in improving the biomass transformation processes. Nanoparticles are used to catalyze chemical reactions that break down biomass molecules more efficiently, optimizing energy production and reducing operating costs.

The impact of these technologies goes beyond production efficiency, also affecting the sustainable use of energy. By improving efficiency and reducing the use of resources, these innovations can promote a less polluting production chain that is more in line with global sustainability principles if they can be deployed in a low-cost, scalable manner.

The bioeconomy plays a key role in promoting a sustainable and clean energy matrix, combining the use of biological resources with cutting-edge technologies to implement more sustainable solutions. This strategy not only meets contemporary energy needs, but is also in line with the demands of environmental conservation and economic sustainability. As we look to the future, the bioeconomy is expected to continue to grow on a global scale, supported by technological advances and enabling policies. This progress aims to consolidate economies, improve energy security and reduce environmental impacts, building a more sustainable future for all.

To be part of this movement and together we can achieve a sustainable future for everyone, [here you can find various ways to get involved!](https://www.earthhero.org/act/category/energy/)


Bioeconomy 101: Improving Clean and Sustainable Energy


Hydrogen, the lightest, simplest, and most abundant element in the universe, found in water and air, has been referred to as the “fuel of the future” due to its potential importance in the energy transition, in line with the [Paris Agreement’s 2015](https://eur-lex.europa.eu/legal-content/EN/TXT/?uri=CELEX:22016A1019(01)) goals of achieving carbon neutrality by 2050.

However, not all hydrogen has environmental benefits. In the context of reducing carbon emissions to curb climate change, green hydrogen, also referred to as H2V, has emerged as one of the most promising alternatives to address global energy challenges.

**Why is Green Hydrogen receiving so much attention?**

Green hydrogen is a type of renewable energy generated from natural resources. Unlike conventional hydrogen, which usually comes from fossil fuels, green hydrogen is produced using electricity from renewable sources, such as solar or wind power, to convert water into hydrogen and oxygen through a process known as electrolysis. The result is an ecological and sustainable fuel that can be used in a variety of applications, from fueling vehicles to providing energy for industrial sectors.

The Ronald Reagan International Trade Center in Washington D.C. is a center of discussions on this new energy matrix, thanks to the [Hydrogen Americas Summit & Exhibition](https://www.hydrogen-americas-summit.com/hydrogen-americas-2024-executive-summary/). This initiative, which involved academia, industry, government, and society, focuses on the theme of green hydrogen and its importance in the global energy landscape.

The meeting, promoted by leading entities in the sector, is intended not only to discuss the opportunities and obstacles of green hydrogen, but also to stimulate trade and inform society about the energy change underway. Several research projects and academic papers related to H2V were presented. These studies addressed a variety of topics, ranging from the manufacture and storage of hydrogen to its distribution, certification, and safety. As part of this effort, the government has implemented initiatives such as the [Hydrogen Shot Initiative](https://www.energy.gov/eere/fuelcells/hydrogen-shot), which aims to significantly reduce spending on green hydrogen production by 2030.

In addition, public-private partnerships are being encouraged to establish regional hydrogen infrastructure and hubs, with an emphasis on regions with high potential for renewable energy, such as Texas and California. These initiatives seek to make green hydrogen a viable alternative for decarbonizing industrial and freight transport sectors, such as steel manufacturing and freight transportation.

**Obstacles and Opportunities**

The United States faces obstacles, however, such as the need to build a solid infrastructure and reduce costs for the production and distribution of green hydrogen. Yet the country has a great chance of leading the global market, especially if it can scale up production effectively. Green hydrogen can play a key role in decarbonizing areas that are difficult to electrify, promoting the energy transition not only in the United States but globally.

Keep in mind that knowledge of climate change is essential to comprehending its consequences on our Earth and helping to reduce those effects via sound decision-making. [Check out various ways to get involved!](https://www.earthhero.org/act)


Green Hydrogen: A Path to the Age of Renewable Energy

Climate reporting by today’s top newsrooms is far better than it once was. Gone are the days when a leading daily newspaper like _The New York Times_ or wire service like Reuters believed it needed to incorporate climate-change skepticism into its reporting for the sake of “objectivity”. The larger news organizations now have entire teams of journalists dedicated to climate coverage.

There is room for improvement, of course. As an example: In June, the [climate-focused newsletter _Heated_](https://www.emilyatkin.com/heated) analyzed 133 breaking-news articles covering heat waves and flooding that month in the United States. While scientists have found direct connections between climate change and the frequency and severity of heat waves and events that are likely to exacerbate flooding, _Heated_ found that only 44% of the articles cited climate change or global warming, and only 11% mentioned the burning of fossil fuels that are the lead contributor to climate change.

“In cases like these, the climate change omissions were so glaring that they seemed intentional. However, reporting breaking news on deadline is difficult; sometimes you just miss things. It happens all the time, including here,” wrote _Heated_ journalists Emily Atkin and Arielle Samuelson. “But when over half of breaking news articles about climate-fueled weather don’t mention the climate crisis, one has to wonder whether there are forces other than sheer ignorance driving these omissions.”

Fortunately, there are many alternatives to this situation. Dig deeper than the best-known news organizations and you’ll find a wealth of publications that are providing diverse, important reporting on the climate crisis.

The list that follows is by no means comprehensive. To keep it manageable, we are excluding obvious selections and any organizations where climate or environmental reporting are part of a larger journalistic mission (e.g., The London_ Guardian_ newspaper or_ _science journals). But this can be a useful place to start:

[Canary Media](https://www.canarymedia.com/) – Published beginning in 2021 as a branch of the research organization RMI, [Canary Media as of July 2024](https://rmi.org/press-release/canary-media-takes-flight-becoming-independent-of-rmi/) provides fully independent reporting on the clean energy transition. Highlighted topics include solar, heat pumps, electrification, electric vehicles, and hydrogen.

[Climate Central](https://www.climatecentral.org/) – Along with providing data and content resources, this nonprofit organization [partners with local newsrooms](https://www.climatecentral.org/partnership-journalism) to offer journalism on the impacts of climate change to specific areas.

[Climate Home News](https://www.climatechangenews.com/) – A U.K. company with a stated mission to cover and analyze major developments in climate action at the global level, including speaking truth to power and giving voice to those who suffer the most from the climate crisis.

[DeSmog](https://www.desmog.com/) – The London-based organization, founded in 2006, is committed to clearing “the PR pollution that is clouding the science and solutions to climate change,” with coverage of energy, science denial, finance, false solutions and other topics.

[Earthsight](https://www.earthsight.org.uk/) – Founded in 2006 as a research organization that provided information that drove investigations by other organizations, the nonprofit now publishes its own investigations on the dark sides of fashion and furniture making, among many other topics.

[EcoWatch](https://www.ecowatch.com/) – This Ohio-based newspaper-turned-digital publication has provided coverage of environmental issues, causes, and solutions since 2005.

[Energy News Network](https://energynews.us/) – Originating in 2010 with a focus on the Midwest, this nonprofit now covers the clean energy transition across four distinct regions: Midwest, Northeast, Southeast, and Western.

[ExxonKnews](https://www.exxonknews.org/) – The subscription-based newsletter provides regular coverage of Big Oil’s historic and ongoing efforts to obscure the climate crisis.

[Floodlight](https://floodlightnews.org/) – The three-year-old nonprofit newsroom works individually and with partner organizations (including NPR, the _Los_ _Angeles Times_, _Mother Jones_ magazine, and more) to shed light on government and corporate obstacles to addressing climate change.

[Food & Environment Reporting Network](https://thefern.org/) – A nonprofit organization reporting on food, agriculture, and environmental health.

[Grist](https://grist.org/) – Dating to 1999, _Grist_ is something of an elder statesperson of climate coverage. Along with daily coverage of energy, justice, and issues it provides ambitious enterprise projects like _State of Emergency_, a study of how climate disasters impact elections.

[Heated](https://heated.world/)_ _– The tag to this subscription-based Substack newsletter might tell you all you need to know: “A newsletter for people who are pissed off about the climate crisis.”

[Heatmap](https://heatmap.news/) – With a deep bench of experienced climate and environment journalists, _Heatmap_ covers climate issues as well as politics, the economy, and culture with a climate angle.

[Inside Climate News](https://insideclimatenews.org/)—Dating to 2007, _Inside Climate News_ could fairly be called among the biggest names in climate journalism, and not only for its[ 2013 Pulitzer Prize](https://insideclimatenews.org/news/15042013/insideclimate-news-team-wins-pulitzer-prize-national-reporting/) for its investigation of a 2010 oil spill into the Kalamazoo River.

[Mongabay](https://news.mongabay.com/)—This global conservation and environment science news nonprofit provides a wide array of content, encompassing daily and enterprise reporting, special projects, and podcasts.

Being informed is just part of the battle against climate change. [Earth Hero offers many recommendations on opportunities to get involved](https://www.earthhero.org/act/category/advocacy-and-choice).


Go Beyond the Headlines of Climate Journalism

If you are more concerned about the climate than profit, you won’t be surprised to learn that many banks finance fossil fuel projects. A tougher challenge is to find banks that are both saying and doing the right things on the climate crisis. The good news is they are out there.

The _[Banking on Climate Chaos](https://www.bankingonclimatechaos.org/)_ report offers a damning picture of the financial sector’s continued financing of fossil fuels: From 2016 to 2022, the seven years following approval of the international [Paris Agreement on climate change](https://unfccc.int/process-and-meetings/the-paris-agreement), the global 60 largest banks provided $5.5 trillion for the fossil fuel industry.

That covers financing – which the report defines as loans and underwriting of debt and equity issuances – for fossil fuel infrastructure expansion, fracking companies, coal mining and coal power, oil and gas extraction in the Amazon, and other operations.

The top financier in those years was JPMorgan Chase, at $434.1 billion, according to the report prepared by the Sierra Club, Rainforest Action Network, and five other nongovernmental organizations and endorsed by hundreds of others. That was over $100 billion above No. 2 Citigroup, at $332.9 billion. Rounding out the top five were Wells Fargo ($316.7 billion), Bank of America ($279.7 billion), and the Royal Bank of Canada ($252.5 billion).

“Global banks often make public declarations that they are addressing climate change, but the scale of their continued financing of fossil fuels and industrial agriculture is simply staggering,” the _[Guardian](https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2023/sep/04/banks-pour-trillions-fossil-fuel-expansion-global-south-report-says)_[ newspaper](https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2023/sep/04/banks-pour-trillions-fossil-fuel-expansion-global-south-report-says) quoted Teresa Anderson, global lead on climate justice for ActionAid International, as saying after that organization published [its own report](https://actionaid.org/publications/2023/how-finance-flows-banks-fuelling-climate-crisis) finding that banks had provided $3.2 billion for fossil fuel activities in the Global South from 2016 to 2022.

Banks like JPMorgan Chase counter that they are mindful of both the climate crisis and their roles in powering the global economy. 

“At JPMorgan Chase, we work to power economies around the world and champion opportunity in good and difficult times,” JPMorgan Chase Chairman and CEO Jamie Dimon said in the introduction to the bank’s [Climate Report](https://www.jpmorganchase.com/content/dam/jpmc/jpmorgan-chase-and-co/documents/Climate-Report-2023.pdf). “A key challenge is meeting governments and companies’ net-zero emissions goals by 2050 while also meeting the global need for secure, reliable and affordable energy. As I have said before, these objectives are not mutually exclusive. We can — and must — do both.”

The report highlights JPMorgan climate actions dating to 2004, including the 2017 declaration of the intention to “facilitate” $200 billion in clean energy financing over eight years. The Rainforest Action Network quickly responded by accusing the bank of “[greenwashing](https://www.un.org/en/climatechange/science/climate-issues/greenwashing#:~:text=By%20misleading%20the%20public%20to,some%20more%20obvious%20than%20others.)”: an increasingly used pejorative for companies that publicly overstate or mislead regarding actual steps taken to address their contributions to climate change.

The transparency organization [Mighty Deposits](https://mightydeposits.com/) generally defines eco-friendly banks as “those that acknowledge that their lending and investment choices have an impact on the health of the planet, and take action to decrease funding projects that harm the environment.”

It provides lists of both [sustainable banks](https://mightydeposits.com/find-banks#/find?cause=sustainability&page=1) and [banks that are not financing fossil fuels](https://mightydeposits.com/find-banks#/find?cause=all&page=1&feature=dep_dont_fund_ff). Many are local or regional banks rather than the massive institutions cited in _the Banking on Climate Crisis_ report. For example: topping the list of banks that do not finance fossil fuels on the Mighty Deposits website is Ponce Bank, which lists just 14 locations in and around New York City.

The number of banks with this distinction is limited yet growing. As of March 2024, Mighty Deposits lists 13 banks across the United States that are not financing fossil fuels. However, [more than 300 credit unions](https://mightydeposits.com/find-credit-unions#/find?cause=all&page=1&feature=dep_dont_fund_ff&showmap=true) are also fossil fuel-free.

Mighty Deposits cites pro-environment banking options beyond those on the sustainability and no-fossil-fuel-investments lists. These encompass B-Corp Banks, which “meet the highest standards of verified social and environmental performance, public transparency, and legal accountability to balance profit and purpose”; members of the Global Alliance for Banking on Values; and Aspiration, ATMOS, Ando, and other “environmentally focused neobanks.”

Other organizations, such as [Bank.Green](https://bank.green/) allows you to check if your bank is "funding climate chaos" and find alternatives in 50+ countries. [Bank for Good](https://bankforgood.org/), also offers guidance on finding environmentally focused-institutions in the United States.

Meanwhile, shareholders, regulators, and others worldwide continue fighting to push larger banks away from financing fossil fuels. In January 2024, the New York City Comptroller’s Office announced that the city had joined with three major city pension funds to file shareholder proposals demanding that JPMorgan Chase, Citigroup, Bank of America, Goldman Sachs, and other financial institutions completely report their financing of fossil fuels versus clean energy. Within a matter of months, JPMorgan and Citigroup had agreed to the demand, [Energy Monitor reported](https://www.energymonitor.ai/news/citigroup-follows-in-footsteps-of-jpmorgan-chase-by-agreeing-to-disclose-green-financing-ratio/).

[The financing ratio must reach 4:1 clean energy vs. fossil fuels by 2030](https://comptroller.nyc.gov/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/Bank-of-America-Shareholder-Proposal-Clean-Energy-Supply-Finance-Ratio.pdf), and improve from there, to keep the world on a path to net-zero emissions by 2050 and to prevent the Earth from exceeding 1.5 degrees Celsius of warming, according to a Bloomberg New Energy Finance analysis cited in a Comptroller press release. The 2022 ratio for North American banks was 0.6:1.

“Despite all their talk, the big banks have made little progress in the energy finance transition over the past couple of years,” Comptroller Brad Lander said in a [press release](https://comptroller.nyc.gov/newsroom/nyc-comptroller-lander-nyc-pension-funds-launch-shareholder-drive-to-hold-banks-accountable-for-transition-away-from-financing-of-fossil-fuels/#:~:text=Analysis%20by%20Bloomberg%20New%20Energy,average%20ratio%20of%200.6%3A1.). “As long-term investors exposed to climate risk, we can’t just take their word for it.”

It’s not just a battle for powerful organizations – individuals can [recognize greenwashing](https://www.earthhero.org/act/468-recognize-greenwashing), [invest in clean energy](https://www.earthhero.org/act/198-invest-in-clean-energy), and[ talk about the relationship between their banks and fossil fuels](https://www.earthhero.org/act/495-talk-about-banks-and-fossil-fuels), among many other actions. [Earth Hero ](https://www.earthhero.org/act)will continue to add actions that can help you do your part to be part of the solution.


How to Bank Without Fossil Fuels

[Earth Hour](https://www.earthhour.org/) is an annual reminder about the responsibility we all share towards the environment. It’s a day - celebrated on March 23 this year - that advocates the benefits of conserving energy (all year - not just for one day). It promotes and encourages us as individuals, or as part of a community, to switch off non-essential lights for one hour as a symbolic gesture of support for conservation. It is not only about turning off lights; it is a good opportunity to celebrate and raise awareness about eco-friendly living.

Of course, holding an important cause close to your heart and making it count in your day-to-day life is easier said than done. While it’s possible to enjoy the activities and sports you love, and to commit to tackling climate change, routinely doing so can take some real effort. It might take a dedicated event or a collective campaign to motivate any of us to [start leading a more sustainable lifestyle](https://www.earthhero.org/en_GB/articles/30-easy-ways-to-kickoff-a-sustainable-lifestyle).

But simple tweaks to your activities or hobbies can make a big difference, and there are many ways to make conserving energy and adopting eco-friendly habits part of your everyday life.

## Reflect on Energy Consumption

Collective actions can have profound implications for the health of the planet, so it's important to integrate sustainability into your daily routine. Reports suggest that more people than ever want to live more sustainably, recognizing that change begins with them, and that their [small, everyday habits can address](https://www.ipsos.com/en-us/are-americans-actually-supporting-sustainability) climate concerns. You can also be sustainable with new hobbies you take up, doing housework or when exercising. Your everyday choices can have a significant impact on safeguarding the environment. 

## Play Sustainable Sports

Engaging in sports and physical activities can benefit your health and be an excellent opportunity to incorporate sustainable practices into your weekly workout. If you love exercising, you can learn how to build sustainability by playing sports, practicing, or traveling to watch games. As well as benefiting your own health and well-being, you’re securing an important role in the fight against climate change. 

Sports and physical activities present an excellent opportunity to conserve energy, whether golfing, cycling, or swimming. For instance, opting to [practice golf with indoor equipment](https://www.golfswingsystems.co.uk/shop/golf-practice-aids/) rather than traveling to a golf range or club, reduces a golfer's carbon footprint. Similarly, choosing to walk when on the golf course, rather than using a golf cart, allows players to appreciate the natural surroundings and helps minimize carbon emissions.

Opting for outdoor activities in daylight hours allows the opportunity to exercise under your own steam. Make the simple choice to run outside rather than on a high-tech treadmill, or explore low-impact exercises that require minimal energy consumption, such as yoga or bodyweight workouts. If you prefer to swim, there are still relevant opportunities to conserve energy and promote sustainability. Swim in outdoor pools or natural bodies of water, use solar-powered mats to heat outdoor pools, or swim in colder water, avoiding the need to heat a pool all year. You can also invest in sustainable swimwear, sports gear, and accessories such as refillable bottles.

## Promote an Eco-Friendly and Active Lifestyle

You can also embrace eco-friendly activities that align with your interests. If you love cooking, baking, and entertaining friends by sharing your latest culinary delights, try hosting a candlelit dinner with local ingredients. You might invite friends over for a traditional board game to get everyone off their screens. 

Saving [energy](https://www.energysage.com/energy-efficiency/ways-to-save-energy/) at home is not a sacrifice and can leave you with more cash. According to the Department of Energy (DOE), making simple energy-efficiency upgrades in your home, such as replacing light bulbs, can make a difference. Making such an energy-saving switch is a valuable habit to adopt. Installing smart thermostats, buying efficient appliances, and replacing your HVAC systems, can [save up to 30% on your energy bills](https://www.energy.gov/energysaver/articles/energy-saver-101-infographic-home-energy-audits). 

## Be Mindful at Home, Work and on Your Travels

Participating in Earth Hour from the comfort of home offers an opportunity to reflect on our energy consumption habits and implement sustainable practices in our day-to-day lives. You can start with a mini energy audit to determine how you use energy in your house. 

If you [work from home](https://www.earthhero.org/en_GB/articles/going-green-with-your-paperwork--tips-for-the-remote-office), try to be paperless and avoid printing pointlessly. You can identify areas across your home, indoors and outside, where you and your family’s electricity usage can be minimized. Simple measures, such as switching to energy-efficient appliances, using natural light whenever possible, and unplugging electronic devices when not in use, can significantly reduce your carbon footprint.

If you travel or commute to work every day, try to do so in a way that saves energy. You can [choose to walk or cycle](https://www.earthhero.org/en_GB/articles/use-your-feet-and-bicycles-to-help-reduce-greenhouse-gas-emissions) rather than drive yourself to work or the shops. Likewise, If you aren’t in a rush and can afford to do so, use public transportation, or organize a car share. Cycling is a great sustainable alternative and can be a healthy commute method. When you travel long distances, be mindful of your transport choices. Why not explore new countries on a [cycling tour](https://www.guidester.com/europe-bike-tour/) to reduce your carbon pollution?
## 
## Respect Sustainability

Understanding the significance of conserving electricity and embracing sustainability in our daily routines is paramount in addressing environmental challenges. Excessive energy consumption contributes to carbon emissions, depletes finite natural resources, and exacerbates climate change. By adopting eco-friendly habits, individuals can mitigate their environmental impact and contribute to building a more sustainable future for generations.

This year’s Earth Hour is a timely reminder of the need to prioritize environmental conservation and embrace sustainable living practices. By incorporating eco-friendly initiatives across our daily activities and routines, there are countless opportunities to celebrate Earth Hour while championing the environment.


Celebrating Earth Hour: Making the Cause Count in Your Day-To-Day Life

_This is the last of a series of articles providing guidance on how taxpayers in the United States can receive federal tax credits under provisions of the Inflation Reduction Act of 2022 that are intended to promote clean energy. The previous articles in the series are [What You Need to Know About Electric Vehicle Tax Credits](https://www.earthhero.org/articles/what-you-need-to-know-about-electric-vehicle-tax-credits), [What You Need to Know About Residential Energy Tax Credits](https://www.earthhero.org/articles/what-you-need-to-know-about-residential-energy-tax-credits), and [What You Need to Know About Low-Income Communities Bonus Credits](https://www.earthhero.org/articles/what-you-need-to-know-about-low-income-communities-bonus-credits)_.

Each of the 26 clean energy tax provisions in the Inflation Reduction Act of 2022 (IRA) has the potential to help push the United States toward a future that is less reliant on the fossil fuels that are the central drivers of climate change. But if there are quiet game-changers at the national level in the law, they are perhaps the clean electricity production tax credit and clean electricity investment tax credit, according to one leading climate group.

“[T]he credits that have the greatest impact to drive forward the clean energy transition will operate largely out of sight from consumers,” Seattle-based Evergreen Action said in a [May 2023 post](https://www.evergreenaction.com/blog/what-are-clean-energy-tax-credits). “The clean electricity production tax credit (PTC) and investment tax credit (ITC) fit that profile: lesser-known, but among the IRA’s highest-impact investments to spur a fair and equitable clean energy economy.”

**PROMOTING CLEAN ENERGY**
The program’s intent is laid out in their names – to provide tax credits for investment in facilities that generate zero-emission electricity or for the production of similarly clean energy. Like other tax credit programs in the IRA, these initiatives are updated versions of existing programs, going into effect on Jan. 1, 2025. Only one of the credits can be used for a project, so no double-dipping. There is no technology specification in the updated credits; by comparison, the previous production tax credit applied specifically to renewable energy facilities, [according to the North Carolina Clean Energy Technology Center](https://programs.dsireusa.org/system/program/detail/734).

Eligible technologies for either program encompass various wind and solar systems, municipal solid waste, geothermal, and tidal. The ITC-only list adds energy storage, microgrid controllers, fuel cells, microturbines, and expenses related to interconnection. If applying solely for a PTC, the relevant technologies are biomass, landfill gas, hydroelectric, marine, and hydrokinetic.

Both start with modest credit offerings that can be boosted significantly based on wages offered to workers, the amount of domestic material used in the project, and whether they are located in an “energy community.” Anticipated levels of uptake of those credits to support clean energy projects could have substantial effects on emissions, the U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA) said in its [2023 Annual Energy Outlook](https://www.eia.gov/outlooks/aeo/IIF_IRA/). In the “Reference” case that represents the agency’s most likely scenario, there is uptake of the base credits and certain bonus credits that propel a 33% reduction in national carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions from 2005 levels by 2030.

“The emissions decline comes because carbon-free resources provide more electricity by 2050 than coal and natural gas. IRA provisions in the Reference case push wind and solar to 56% of electricity generation by 2050,” the EIA said.

**BASE CREDIT WITH ABILITY TO BOOST**
The Investment Tax Credit offers a ground-floor credit for 6% of the qualified investment in a facility that produces clean electricity, as well as certain energy storage technologies. The Production Tax Credit offers 0.3 cents per kilowatt for generation of electricity without greenhouse gas emissions.

From there, each program can raise credits by five times if the project meets “prevailing wage and apprenticeship requirements” – for the initial decade of a Production Tax Credit project and for the initial five years of an Investment Tax Credit job, according to Evergreen Action. Here, a prevailing wage is defined as the average wage that workers are paid in a specific job and area.

Credit boosts are also available for projects in both programs that are built with sufficient amounts of domestically produced steel, iron, and manufactured products – 10% for the PTC and up to 10 percentage points for the ITC. Additional credits in those same levels are on the table for a project in an [energy community](https://www.law.cornell.edu/uscode/text/26/45) – which, among other sites, encompasses a location that meets the federal definition for a [brownfield site](https://19january2017snapshot.epa.gov/brownfields/brownfield-overview-and-definition_.html); a metropolitan or other area for which since Dec. 31, 2009, has counted at least 0.17% of employment or a quarter of local tax revenue connected to “extraction, processing, transport of coal, oil, or natural gas”; or a census tract in which a coal mine closed after Dec. 31, 1999, or a coal-fired electrical generating unit shut down after Dec. 31, 2009.

“[Initial projections](https://evergreenaction.com/blog/evergreen-explains-the-climate-impact-of-the-inflation-reduction-act) indicated that the two credits alone will comprise more than $125 billion of investments. Multiple recent reports blow that figure out of the water. According to [Goldman Sachs modeling](https://www.wsj.com/articles/inflation-reduction-act-subsidies-cost-goldman-sachs-report-5623cd29), the IRA could drive three times the climate investments initially projected, with an additional $82 billion in clean energy credits,” Evergreen Action said. “The Congressional Joint Committee on Taxation, which issued the authoritative initial IRA cost estimates, produced even higher revised credit projections—their [April 2023 figures](https://www.jct.gov/publications/2023/jcx-7-23/) indicate the IRA’s clean energy tax credits will drive nearly $570 billion of new federal investments. According to the _Wall Street Journal’s_ coverage, “companies are rushing to cash in on tax credits that aren’t capped.”

These articles have presented just a slice of the tax benefits available for pursuing clean energy projects and technologies. You can find a full list from the White House [here](https://www.whitehouse.gov/cleanenergy/clean-energy-tax-provisions/), with information also available from participating federal agencies.

Earth Hero also has [a number of actions](https://www.earthhero.org/act/category/energy) to help you reduce your climate pollution footprint and help push our society toward better ways of living. Take action today!


What You Need to Know About Clean Electricity Tax Credits

_This is part of a series of articles providing guidance on how taxpayers in the United States can receive federal tax credits under provisions of the Inflation Reduction Act of 2022 intended to promote clean energy. The first articles in the series are [What You Need to Know About Electric Vehicle Tax Credits](https://www.earthhero.org/articles/what-you-need-to-know-about-electric-vehicle-tax-credits) and [What You Need to Know About Residential Energy Tax Credits](https://www.earthhero.org/articles/what-you-need-to-know-about-residential-energy-tax-credits)._

The Inflation Reduction Act (IRA) of 2022 offers opportunities for individuals to earn tax credits for buying electric vehicles and applying clean energy technology to their homes, but the benefits are meant to be spread more widely to reduce U.S. reliance on greenhouse gas-emitting fossil fuels. Case in point: the Low-Income Communities Bonus Credit Program, which boosts the investment tax credit for electricity-generating solar and wind installations built in low-income communities or on Native American land.

“The Low-Income Communities Bonus Credit Program supports a transformative set of investments designed to create jobs, lower costs for American families, and spur an economic revitalization in communities that have historically been left behind,” [said the Department of Energy](https://www.energy.gov/justice/low-income-communities-bonus-credit-program) (DOE).

This program is notably different from those previously featured in this series, in which taxpayers can claim [EV](https://www.earthhero.org/articles/what-you-need-to-know-about-electric-vehicle-tax-credits) and [residential clean energy](https://www.earthhero.org/articles/what-you-need-to-know-about-residential-energy-tax-credits) credits when they file their income tax return. Instead, the Low-Income Communities Bonus Credit Program involves a competitive application process in which a limited number of facilities will be approved for tax credit increases each year.

The IRA added a new component to the Internal Revenue Code: [Section 48(e](https://energycommunities.gov/funding-opportunity/clean-electricity-investment-tax-credit-26-u-s-code-%C2%A4-48e/#:~:text=Description,in%20Section%2013102%20through%202024).)), which broadly provides clean electricity investment tax credits “for any taxable year in an amount equal to the applicable percentage of the qualified investment for such taxable year with respect to” either a facility that meets certain qualifications or any energy storage technology. A qualified electricity production facility, [as now laid out in the code](https://www.law.cornell.edu/definitions/uscode.php?width=840&height=800&iframe=true&def_id=26-USC-1472377433-419203118&term_occur=999&term_src=title:26:subtitle:A:chapter:1:subchapter:A:part:IV:subpart:E:section:48E), must come online after December 31, 2024, with the expectation of emitting zero greenhouse gases.

The base credit level is 6 percent of a qualified investment for an eligible solar or wind project,[ according to the White House](https://www.whitehouse.gov/cleanenergy/clean-energy-tax-provisions/). But the credit can be boosted by 10 percentage points for projects in low-income communities or on native tribal land, and increased by 20 percentage points for a facility that is a component of a qualified low-income residential building or qualified low-income economic benefit project, said the DOE, which is managing the program with the Treasury Department and Internal Revenue Service (IRS).

Qualified facilities for the investment increase, per this August 2023 _[Federal Register](https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2023/08/15/2023-17078/additional-guidance-on-low-income-communities-bonus-credit-program)_[ notice](https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2023/08/15/2023-17078/additional-guidance-on-low-income-communities-bonus-credit-program), encompass only a wind facility, solar energy property, or small wind energy property. They must produce under 5 megawatts of electricity in alternating current (AC).

The program uses the federal statutory definition for a low-income community: a population census tract in which the poverty rate is 20 percent or greater; a non-metropolitan tract in which median family income tops out at 80 percent of the statewide median; or a metropolitan tract in which median family income tops out at 80 percent of the statewide median or the metropolitan area median. To be considered part of the low-income residential building program a facility must distribute its electricity “equitably” among all occupants in a building that is part of a covered housing program under the 1994 Violence Against Women Act, a housing assistance program run by the Department of Agriculture under the 1949 Housing Act, a housing program through a tribally designated housing organization under the 1996 Native American Housing Assistance and Self-Determination Act, or another select affording housing program. To be considered under the qualified low-income economic benefit program, no less than half of the financial benefits of the generated electricity must go to households that are under 200 percent of the poverty line or under 80 percent of the area's median gross income.

The IRS is authorized to approve as much as 1.8 gigawatts of electricity per year, divided across the four categories: 700 megawatts of capacity each for low-income communities and qualified low-income economic benefit projects and 200 megawatts of capacity each for projects on tribal land and qualified low-income residential buildings.

The first application window opened on October 19, 2023, and closed after 30 days. “Following the 30-day period, DOE will generally accept applications on a rolling basis and will review applications and provide recommendations to the IRS in the order applications are received until the IRS allocates all Capacity Limitation in a program year,” the DOE said.

Organizations can begin the application process at this [DOE Web page](https://eco.energy.gov/ejbonus/s/). According to the agency’s latest accounting, a total of 200 capacity allocations have been approved, leaving just 365 megawatts to be allocated. More than 8,000 applications remained pending.

This series' fourth and final article will examine the tax credits available for clean electricity production and investment. In the meantime, Earth Hero has recommendations on [family and community-level actions](https://www.earthhero.org/act/category/family-and-community) you can take to help address the climate crisis, including [joining a climate action group](https://www.earthhero.org/act/233-join-a-climate-action-group),[ acts of non-violent civil disobedience](https://www.earthhero.org/act/237-non-violent-civil-disobedience), and[ adopting a forest](https://www.earthhero.org/act/337-adopt-a-forest).  


What You Need to Know About Low-Income Communities Bonus Credits

_This is part of a series of articles providing guidance on how taxpayers in the United States can receive federal income tax credits under provisions of the Inflation Reduction Act of 2022 intended to promote clean energy. Our first article, on electric vehicle credits, can be found[ here](https://www.earthhero.org/articles/what-you-need-to-know-about-electric-vehicle-tax-credits)._

If you are a homeowner who wants to add clean energy generation to your home, or to make your house more energy efficient, the U.S. government wants to help. In fact, under the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA) of 2022, it wants to help more than ever.

The law increased the tax credits available for installing a broad range of clean electricity products and energy-efficient home refurbishments, through at least the 2032 tax year. Depending on the amount of work done on a house, thousands of dollars worth of credits could be available. Homeowners can claim credits to offset select costs, as can renters in some cases. As with the electric vehicle program, the credits are nonrefundable, meaning you cannot receive more than the income tax owed for the year and credits cannot be passed on to future tax filings.

The mechanism to claim credits is Internal Revenue Service (IRS) [Form 5695](https://www.irs.gov/pub/irs-pdf/f5695.pdf) for Residential Energy Credits, which would be filed with your Form 1040 income tax return. Under the IRA, the residential energy efficient property credit has been redesignated as the residential clean energy credit, while the nonbusiness energy property credit has been renamed the energy efficient home improvement credit. Standing houses and houses being built are covered under the first program, while the second program covers only existing structures, [according to IRS](https://www.irs.gov/instructions/i5695#d0e49) instructions for Form 5695.

**Residential Clean Energy Credit**

This program provides tax credits equal to 30 percent of the cost for eligible preparation, assembly, or installation of the following home clean energy projects: solar panels, solar water heaters, fuel cells, wind turbines, geothermal heat pumps, and battery storage technology. That includes labor costs and expenses for pipes or wires to link one of those systems to a house.
There is generally no dollar maximum for the credits, except $500 per half-kilowatt of capacity from a fuel cell property, which the IRS cites as “an integrated system comprised of a fuel cell stack assembly and associated balance of plant components that converts a fuel into electricity using electrochemical means.”

The credit match would drop to 26 percent in 2033 and 22 percent in 2034,[ the IRS said](https://www.irs.gov/credits-deductions/home-energy-tax-credits). It would end after that unless new laws are enacted, according to[ financial software firm Intuit](https://turbotax.intuit.com/tax-tips/going-green/what-is-the-irs-form-5695/L9D6ARQ0p).

The 30 percent credit level is equal to the tax credit that was available for the 2022 tax year for most clean energy installations, but the previous program did not cover battery storage at all, according to the Department of Energy. To be eligible for fuel-cell credits, a house is required to be in the United States and to be the taxpayer’s principal residence. The requirements for the other technologies are less strict – a home in the United States that serves simply as _a_ residence for the taxpayer.

**Energy Efficient Home Improvement Credit**

The potential tax benefits have increased even more significantly under this program for a host of upgrades to your home, encompassing the purchase and installation of heat pumps, heat pump water heaters, biomass stoves, and other heating, cooling, and water heating technology; as well as expenses for energy-efficiency upgrades to doors, windows, and insulation. (The Department of Energy provides a full list[ here](https://www.energy.gov/policy/articles/making-our-homes-more-efficient-clean-energy-tax-credits-consumers).)

On January 1, 2023, the program expanded from a $500 lifetime credit to providing tax credits for up to 30 percent of a project cost in three areas: installation of energy-efficiency improvements, residential energy expenditures, and home energy audits. There is a $1,200 annual credit limit for much of this work, as well as limits for specific projects. For example: installing energy-efficient heating or water heating equipment is each limited to $600 in credits per year, which would be half of the total cap (though still significantly better than the previous credit cap of $300 for heating equipment and $150 for water heating equipment).

There is a separate $2,000 credit maximum for the installation of heat pumps, heat pump water heaters, and biomass stoves (stoves that use wood pellets, plants, or other biomass fuel to generate heat). So, in any given year, a homeowner could receive as much as $3,200 in tax credits for energy-efficient home improvements.

There are additional qualifications for homeowners to receive credits under the program, including meeting efficiency requirements under the federal[ Energy Star](https://www.energystar.gov/) program for exterior doors, windows, and skylights. This [IRS fact sheet](https://www.irs.gov/pub/taxpros/fs-2022-40.pdf) details those and other requirements.

The Internal Revenue Service also provides line-by-line instructions for filling out Form 5695 on [this Web page](https://www.irs.gov/instructions/i5695). Your tax advisor or tax prep software will naturally be able to help with all of this as well.

In the next article, we’ll examine the Low-Income Communities Bonus Credit. In the meantime, Earth Hero has many [energy-focused recommendations](https://www.earthhero.org/act/category/energy) for reducing your climate pollution and saving money, including [using LED lightbulbs](https://www.earthhero.org/act/80-change-light-bulbs-to-leds), adding [rooftop solar](https://www.earthhero.org/act/79-get-rooftop-solar) to your home, and [installing a smart thermostat](https://www.earthhero.org/act/264-install-a-smart-thermostat).


What You Need to Know About Residential Energy Tax Credits

_This is the first in a series of articles that will provide guidance on how taxpayers in the United States can receive federal tax credits under provisions of the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA) of 2022 intended to promote clean energy._

The U.S. government is offering a straightforward route for consumers to receive up to $7,500 in federal tax credits for buying an electric vehicle (EV) – file the correct form with your upcoming tax return and claim the benefit. But “straightforward” does not necessarily mean “simple.” Here’s what you need to know when filing Internal Revenue Service (IRS) Form 8936.

Signed into law on August 16, 2022, the[ Inflation Reduction Act](https://www.whitehouse.gov/briefing-room/statements-releases/2022/08/15/by-the-numbers-the-inflation-reduction-act/) (IRA) contains, among a host of provisions, $369 billion for a decade of clean energy and associated incentives to reduce greenhouse gas emissions that are the primary contributor to climate change. The legislation is a central component of past and present activities that [the Department of Energy (DOE) projects](https://www.energy.gov/sites/default/files/2022-08/8.18%20InflationReductionAct_Factsheet_Final.pdf) could by 2030 reduce U.S. emissions by 40 percent from 2005 levels.

The IRA revised the existing Qualified Plug-in Electric Drive Motor Vehicle Credit, now rechristened the Clean Vehicle Credit. The program in 2023 and going forward provides a maximum of $7,500 in federal income tax credits for purchasing new four-wheel all-electric, fuel cell-electric, and plug-in hybrid vehicles, as well as $4,000 for used EVs, under Internal Revenue Code Section 30D. The authorized amount of nonrefundable credit would be applied to a filer’s tax payment for the year – for example, $7,500 from a $10,000 federal income tax bill, leaving just $2,500 to pay.

As described in [this explainer from the White House](https://www.whitehouse.gov/cleanenergy/clean-energy-tax-provisions/), the credits are available to buyers with adjusted gross incomes in the present or prior year of no more than $300,000 for couples, $225,000 for heads of households, or $150,000 for single tax filers, which means most people qualify.

Fortunately there are tools to help you figure out which vehicles qualify for the tax credit. For example, you can check [NerdWallet](https://www.nerdwallet.com/article/taxes/ev-tax-credit-electric-vehicle-tax-credit#:~:text=As%20of%202023%2C%20people%20who,tax%20returns%20filed%20in%202024.), which lists the eligible makes and models. The [Fuel Economy website](https://fueleconomy.gov/feg/tax2023.shtml) also has a tool to check what qualifies.

To be eligible, a new vehicle’s battery capacity cannot be less than 7 kilowatt hours, and its gross vehicle weight rating must be under 14,000 pounds, according to the [DOE](https://fueleconomy.gov/feg/tax2023.shtml#requirements). Only EVs from “qualified” automakers will be considered, except for fuel-cell vehicles. 

One new requirement is that EVs must undergo final assembly in the United States to be eligible for the credits if they are purchased and put into service after August 16, 2022. The vehicle must also be purchased for one’s use, rather than for resale, and it must be used largely in the United States, [according to the IRS](https://www.irs.gov/credits-deductions/clean-vehicle-and-energy-credits). The manufacturer’s suggested retail price (MSRP) for eligible vehicles also maxes out at $55,000 for vehicles such as passenger cars or sedans and at $80,000 for vans, pickups, and SUVs, as noted by NerdWallet.

Half of the total credits for a new EV -- $3,750 – are available for vehicles with batteries that are built with a certain percentage of critical minerals such as lithium or cobalt that are extracted or processed in the United States or in a country that has a free trade agreement with the United States, or for batteries with a certain percentage of critical minerals recycled in the U.S. The percentage was 40 percent in 2023, which will increase by 10 percentage points annually to 80 percent in 2027 [the Treasury Department says](https://home.treasury.gov/news/press-releases/jy1379#:~:text=Critical%20Mineral%20Requirement&text=For%202023%2C%20the%20applicable%20percentage,applicable%20percentage%20is%2070%20percent.). The other half of the credits are available for vehicles in which a “threshold percentage” of the value of battery components comes from parts built or assembled in North America – 50 percent in 2023, 60 percent for 2024 and 2025, then rising by 10 percentage points annually to 100 percent after 2028.

The tax credit for used vehicles is capped at 30 percent of the sales price, no more than $4,000.

Further updates are expected in 2024. For one, the IRS aims to provide EV buyers with the option of taking the tax credit or passing it on to the vehicle seller to reduce the cost of the vehicle during the transaction.

Tax filers will need to provide some specific information on [Form 8936](https://www.irs.gov/pub/irs-pdf/f8936.pdf) when they submit it with their Form 1040 income tax form. Required information includes the EV’s vehicle identification number (VIN); the vehicle’s year, make, and model; the date the vehicle went into service; the percentage of vehicle business or investment use; and more. The IRS provides line-by-line instructions on filing Form 8936 [here](https://www.irs.gov/instructions/i8936) and this is part of online tax filing tools as well.

The tax credit program is currently scheduled to continue to Dec. 31, 2032. The Biden administration hopes it will contribute to the [White House target](https://www.whitehouse.gov/cleanenergy/ev-acceleration-challenge/) to have EVs comprise half of all U.S. vehicle sales by 2030, from less than 10 percent today. The program’s future appears stable, though there is always the potential for an antagonistic presidential administration to seek to repeal IRA provisions after the 2024 election with assistance from like-minded lawmakers, [as highlighted by this article](https://medium.com/@PeteAltman/will-the-inflation-reduction-act-survive-the-2024-elections-5c1f94abdfb5) from Pete Altman of the Natural Resources Defense Council.

In the next article, we’ll look at tax credits available under the IRA for residential clean energy and home improvements that increase energy efficiency. In the meantime, Earth Hero has recommendations for improving energy efficiency at [home and work](https://www.earthhero.org/act/category/home-and-work), from [reducing food waste](https://www.earthhero.org/act/46-reduce-food-waste) to [adding rooftop solar to your house](https://www.earthhero.org/act/category/home-and-work).


What You Need to Know About Electric Vehicle Tax Credits

Walking and bicycling are not just means of locomotion – If used in place of gas-powered vehicles at sufficient levels, these approaches for getting from place to place can contribute to global reductions in the greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions that are driving climate change.

Advocates around the world are working to make their communities more friendly to pedestrians and bicyclists, building on decades of similar efforts. Many of these groups are eager for volunteers to join their campaigns.

“Given that transportation is the leading contributor to greenhouse gas emissions, reducing emissions from transportation is an essential part of fighting climate change,” said Ted Villaire, communications director for the Chicago-area advocacy group the Active Transportation Alliance. “With more than half of all trips in the US under three miles, there are enormous opportunities for more people to walk or bike for many of those trips. The problem is the lack of good infrastructure for people walking and biking.”

This contribution to reducing greenhouse gasses is small but not negligible [ In a 2013 report](https://www.nrel.gov/docs/fy13osti/55635.pdf), the U.S. Department of Energy estimated that improvements to promote “nonmotorized” means of transport, such as walking or biking in urban areas, could cut on-road vehicle GHG emissions by close to 1%. The nongovernmental [Congress for the New Urbanism](https://www.cnu.org/publicsquare/2021/08/31/ten-environmental-benefits-walkable-places) and others have put the concrete impact of a walkable environment at 4 tons of lower greenhouse gas emissions annually, versus a suburb that relies more on vehicles. By comparison, [according to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency](https://www.epa.gov/greenvehicles/greenhouse-gas-emissions-typical-passenger-vehicle), just one “typical” passenger vehicle emits 4.6 metric tons of carbon dioxide (CO2) each year.

But everything counts in an all-hands-on-deck call in the battle against climate change. And there are many additional benefits to increasing the ease of walking and bicycling to a community, Villaire said. He cited costs savings to individuals who can walk and bike more, along with advancements in environmental justice and improved community health.

Paris-based professor Carlos Moreno developed the concept of the “15-minute city” – a municipality in which most services are no more than a quarter-hour away from any location by walking, biking, or public transit. The idea has caught on, in different forms, in cities ranging from Barcelona, Spain, to Kirkland, Wash.

But this requires a community in which walking or bicycling is safe and accessible, which is not the case in many locations around the United States, particularly spread-out suburbs. So how do we get there?

The [U.S. Surgeon General](https://www.hhs.gov/surgeongeneral/reports-and-publications/physical-activity-nutrition/walking-sectors/index.html) points the way: “All Americans use roads, and most people across the country use sidewalks and live in communities that have planned how their land will be used. Transportation, land use, and community design planners have the power to increase opportunities for walking and improve the pedestrian experience by designing and maintaining communities and streets to make them safe and accessible for people of all ages and abilities.”

Along with having high-use locations such as schools and employment sites within walking distance, streets and sidewalks must be designed and managed so that they are safe and easy to use, the Office of the Surgeon General said. Many parts of the community can then promote walking: Schools, for example, can establish routes for students to safely walk from home, while employers can encourage their staff to walk through incentives such as flexible work time.

This work can take many paths, as demonstrated by the long work of the Active Transportation Alliance (ATA) and its partners in the Chicagoland region. “Repeatedly voicing your concerns with elected leaders pays off,” Villaire stated. “When leaders know that people want streets that are safe and welcoming for those who are walking and biking, leaders will listen. When leaders know that community members want public transit that is fast and reliable, leaders tend to support those initiatives.”

Within [a long list of accomplishments](https://activetrans.org/about-us/our-organization/our-accomplishments), the Active Transportation Alliance and other local groups spent decades making the case for separate paths for pedestrians and bicyclists for the Lakefront Trail along Lake Michigan in Chicago. As of 2018, what had been an 18-mile mixed-use trail was divided into an 18-mile bicycle trail and an 18.5-mile pedestrian trail. The update reduced congestion on the trail and created “a better overall park experience,” according to the Chicago Park District.

In 2021, ATA supported state legislation in Illinois that would require the state to pay the full cost of infrastructure for walking or bicycling on state roads. Previous law had forced local municipalities to pay 20% of the cost, a burden that hit low-income areas particularly hard, according to ATA. Following a public campaign in favor of the bill, with support from thousands of individuals, Illinois House Bill 270 was signed into law in August 2021.

The Active Transportation Alliance (among many like-minded groups around the United States) [is seeking volunteers](https://activetrans.org/about-us/get-involved/volunteer) to “join a community of advocates helping promote walking, biking and public transit throughout Chicagoland.”

And as your communities become more walkable and bikeable, Earth Hero can help you reduce your reliance on vehicles. Here are Earth Hero actions you can take for [biking](https://www.earthhero.org/act/8-bike-instead-of-drive) or [walking](https://www.earthhero.org/act/552-within-walking-distancequest-walk!) instead of driving.  


Use Your Feet and Bicycles to Help Reduce Greenhouse Gas Emissions

Scientists have [confirmed](https://climate.nasa.gov/evidence/) that current global warming is human-caused and not a natural fluctuation in climate, and that the rate of warming is faster than anything seen in the previous 10,000 years.  

Human-caused climate change began during the Industrial Revolution when humanity began to burn fossil fuels - oil, coal, and natural gas - to produce more energy. Since the Industrial Revolution, we have been using increasing amounts of energy in order to keep up with consumer demand and sustain an economic system based on infinite growth. 

The gases from burning oil, coal, and natural gas are released into the atmosphere, trap heat from the sun, and in turn warm the planet. This is called the greenhouse effect. The most problematic gases are carbon and methane. They stay in the atmosphere for hundreds of years. 

As global temperatures rise, they are altering the conditions of the atmosphere, oceans, and other ecosystems. This will lead to increasingly frequent and extreme wildfires, droughts, floods, heatwaves, and extreme weather events. These are causing food and water shortages, climate migrations, and damage to infrastructure, which will worsen as long as we continue on with business as usual. Climate and ecological breakdown threatens the health, safety, and survival of human and nonhuman life. 

_Floods and Storms_

Earth's lower atmosphere is warming because of fossil fuel emissions. Because warm air holds more moisture, this is leading to increasingly extreme floods, storms, and weather events.

_Droughts_

While some areas will experience flooding, others will experience drought. It’s also possible for an area to alternate between periods of flooding and drought. Warmer temperatures enhance evaporation that dries out soils and vegetation. Changes in the jet stream from warming global temperatures are also reducing rainfall in certain areas. 

_Wildfires_

With worsening droughts, trees and underbrush are drying out. This process creates conditions that make wildfires easier to start, spread, and harder to contain. 

_Heatwaves_

Climate change is leading to more frequent, longer, and intense heat waves. It has increased the size of stalled high-pressure weather systems called "blocking events”, which can produce deadly and long-lasting heat waves.

_Sea Level Rise_

Warming temperatures from burning fossil fuels is causing glaciers and ice sheets to melt and break apart, with the danger of completely collapsing and elevating sea levels enough to destroy and displace island and coastal communities, including major cities like Miami. 

_Sixth Mass Extinction_

We are in the middle of the sixth mass extinction, the first mass extinction caused by human behavior. The current rate of extinction is tens to hundreds of times higher than the average over the past 10 million years. Its main drivers include destructive land and sea use, direct exploitation of plants and animals, global warming, pollution, and invasive species. The sixth mass extinction threatens the biodiversity and ecosystems that humans rely on for survival. 

**Tipping Points**

Human-caused global warming from the burning of fossil fuels is triggering the Earth’s tipping points. These include the melting of glaciers and sea ice, die-off of the Boreal & Amazon rainforests, melting permafrost, coral reef die-off, loss of aerosols & cloud cover, and warming, acidifying oceans. Healthy ecosystems either act as carbon sinks or deflect sunlight, and are necessary to keep the Earth cool. 

Once several tipping points are triggered, it could lead to a cascade effect, triggering other tipping points and irreversibly transitioning the Earth into a state of runaway heating that is outside of human control. This would lead to what climate scientists call an ‘uninhabitable hothouse Earth.’ 

Some tipping points have already been triggered by global warming, while others won’t be triggered until warming worsens. 

**Timeline**

Humanity has a limited window of time left to transition off fossil fuels before we trigger irreversible tipping points and lose the ability to avoid runaway heating. 

The goal of the Paris Climate Agreement is to keep global warming below 1.5 degrees Celsius and decrease atmospheric carbon below 350 parts per million (ppm), considered the safe zone for maintaining a safe and habitable planet. To do this we basically need to cut climate pollution in half by 2030. 

The Earth has already heated 1.3 degrees Celsius since the Industrial Revolution. Extreme weather events and tipping points are happening faster and with more extremity than scientists projected, suggesting that we need to speed up our transition off fossil fuels and onto renewable sources of energy.

UN secretary Antonio Guterres is calling for First World countries to [reach net zero emissions by 2040](https://media.un.org/en/asset/k1n/k1n4wutrw2#:~:text=I%20urge%20governments%20to%20make,close%20as%20possible%20to%202050.) and countries who emit less to reach net zero emissions by 2050.

**Solution**

Although our situation is dire, we know the solutions and we [still have time](https://www.washingtonpost.com/climate-environment/2023/03/20/climate-change-ipcc-report-15/) to act. The solution to climate change is to stop burning coal, oil, and natural gas for energy and make a global transition to renewable energy. Renewable energy includes solar, wind, tidal, and geothermal. 

In order to avoid ecological collapse, which is as important to human flourishing as climate change, we need to protect at least 30-50% of the land and water, which are critical carbon sinks, and stop consuming more resources than the Earth can safely regenerate. 

We still have time to take collective action in order to maintain a safe and habitable planet. Humanity is being given the opportunity to create a green and flourishing world that considers all life.


Climate Change and Solutions

With more of us adopting ways to live more sustainably, solar energy has been growing in popularity amongst homeowners. Panel technology has become more efficient and cost-effective. Installing solar panels provides renewable, [clean power](https://www.earthhero.org/en_GB/act/78-switch-electricity-to-clean-energy) while reducing your climate pollution and electricity bills. Today, their most common placement is on rooftops, solar technology can be integrated into properties in creative ways beyond just roof panels.

Advancements in solar panel design now allow homeowners to follow a greener lifestyle by installing systems on garages, patios, pergolas and even windows. For those with limited roof space, ground-mounted arrays optimised through strategic placement are an option. Community solar programmes also enable homeowners to buy into shared neighbourhood solar installations.

Thoughtful solar design allows homeowners to maximise their use of this clean energy source while adding aesthetic appeal to their properties. Plus a solar system helps increase resale values. When paired with other renewable sources like geothermal heating and cooling, solar contributes to fully sustainable and environmentally-friendly homes. Here, we explore the creative possibilities of solar systems as we move toward a more sustainable and eco-friendly future.

## Creative Ways to Use Solar Panels

Well regarded as a sustainable living idea, when it comes to using [solar panels](https://www.energysage.com/solar/solar-101/), roof installation tends to be the standard approach. However, there are many creative ways to integrate solar technology into your home and property beyond just placing panels on the roof.

**Panels on roof**

Even though [roof-mounted panels](https://www.deegesolar.co.uk/solar_panel_mounting/) are standard, you can get creative with the layout, such as installing vertical panels, arranging them in patterns or maximising space with custom panel sizes. Explore different roof areas like garages and extensions and use technologies like microinverters for flexible panel placement. 

**General upfront investment:** From $/£/€ 10,000 to 20,000+ plus for home installation (depending on size or property).

**Panels on garages, sheds, etc.**
Supplementary buildings like garages and garden sheds are ideal extra spaces for solar panels, allowing you to generate extra power from multiple structures. Tracker mounts can follow the sun's path for optimal angling. Make sure to check structural soundness before installation.

**General upfront investment:** From $/£/€ 3,000 to 10,000+** **depending on the size of the property.

**Ground-mounted solar arrays**

For properties with limited rooftop space, ground-mounted solar arrays can be installed in yards and strategically placed and landscaped for aesthetic appeal. Arrays can be mounted on poles, framed with fencing, or built into hillsides. Consider spacing needs for cleaning and maintenance access.

**General upfront investment:** From $/£/€ 10,000 to 35,000+** **for a home system depending on the size of the property. 

**Solar carports**

Constructing [solar panel carports](https://carports-canopies.com/solar-carport/) over driveways or parking spaces provides cover in addition to [generating renewable power](https://www.nature.org/en-us/what-we-do/our-priorities/tackle-climate-change/climate-change-stories/choosing-clean-energy/) and helping homeowners to live more sustainably. Use garage or carport structures to mount standard or flexible panels. Ensure height clearance and account for future vehicle sizes.

**General upfront investment:** From $/£/€ 15,000 to 30,000+** **for a two-car garage size.

**Solar pergolas**

Install solar panels on pergolas to provide shade over garden areas and patios which produces extra electricity. Use pergola beams, louvres, and covering to hold panels while providing adjustable shade. Consider drainage system needs.

**General upfront investment:** From $/£/€ 20,000 to 50,000+** **depending on the size of the property.

**Solar awnings or canopies**

Solar awnings and canopies can be constructed over porches, windows, and other exterior areas to simultaneously create shade and harvest energy. Opt for retractable styles to control sun exposure. Check wind load capacity for your area.

**General upfront investment:** From $/£/€ 3,000 to 12,000+** **depending on the size of the property. 

**Solar patio umbrellas**

Patio umbrellas with integrated solar panels can transform outdoor relaxation areas into small power stations. Look for lightweight, waterproof umbrella designs with flexible solar fabric. Ensure pole base is stable for winds.

**General upfront investment:** Approximately $/£/€ 500 to 1,200 per umbrella. 

**Building-integrated Photovoltaic (PV) panels**

Integrate [solar technology directly into buildings](https://bipvco.com/) with products like solar shingles or windows to produce electricity which, in turn, serves structural and aesthetic purposes too. Solar roofing tiles can replace standard shingles. Energy-generating window coatings are also available.

**General upfront investment:** Approximately $/£/€ 25 to 40 per sq ft. 

**Community solar options**

Community solar programmes allow homeowners to invest in shared solar installations when their own property lacks sufficient space. Purchase a portion of a community project to earn credits on your utility bill.

**General upfront investment:** Varies, often little to no upfront expense. 

## Benefits of Creative Solar Applications

Taking a creative approach to solar panel installation enables you to maximise [clean energy](https://www.earthhero.org/en_GB/act/379-switch-electricity-to-clean-energy) production from all available exterior space, rather than just relying on the roof. Structures like garages, gazebos and pergolas become opportunities to harvest more solar energy when panels are mounted strategically.

This creative integration of solar also allows for innovations in aesthetics and design. Rather than looking out of place, solar shingles, windows, canopies and pergolas can enhance the architecture and landscape of your home when thoughtfully incorporated.

Beyond just improving the aesthetics, these types of creative solar applications reduce your dependence on carbon-intensive utility grid electricity by expanding your home's clean energy generating capacity. So your property becomes more sustainable and fully powered by the sun's limitless rays through [effective positioning of solar panels](https://www.geogreenpower.com/solar-panels/ultimate-guide-to-installing-solar-panels-for-your-property/), professional installation and innovative solar application.

## Considerations for Creative Solar Projects

For green living property owners, creative solar projects allow for increased energy production and aesthetic appeal, yet there are a few key considerations to research before installation. Important factors to evaluate include costs and ROI, structural engineering needs, regulations and zoning laws and optimising sun exposure through placement.

**Costs and Return on Investment –** While solar is a long-term money saver, creative solar projects can have higher upfront installation costs versus basic rooftop panels. Research your options thoroughly and calculate payback period and ROI. [Government incentives](https://www.fmb.org.uk/homepicks/solar-panels/solar-panel-grants/) like feed-in tariffs can offset costs.

**Structural Engineering Needs –** Any solar project impacting your home's structures requires an engineer's approval, like carports, pergolas and solar roofs. Ensure the building can handle the additional weight load before undergoing installations.

**Homeowners Association Regulations –** If you belong to a homeowner's association, ensure any creative solar plans meet their community rules and aesthetic standards before installing. Permitted solar projects may require approval paperwork.

**Zoning Laws and Building Codes –** Understand both local and national regulations that apply to solar structures in residential areas. Projects like solar carports and ground mounts may have zoning or land use restrictions to consider depending on location.

**Sun Exposure Optimisation –** Creative solar projects require careful placement planning to maximise sun exposure throughout the year. Consult solar mapping tools to identify optimal solar access areas on your property before installing panels.

Researching these factors will help ensure your creative solar project is feasible, maximally efficient and regulatory compliant. Regulations vary widely across localities so do your homework before installation. Reaching out to professionals that help you with installation is a great way to learn how to navigate any issues like this. They have a lot of experience and will gladly work with you to figure out the best approach.

## Take Control of Your Home’s Energy Solutions

Creative [solar panel installation](https://www.earthhero.org/en_GB/act/79-get-rooftop-solar) allows homeowners to live more sustainably and maximise clean energy production and green living insulation solutions from all available exterior spaces in conservatories and not just rooftops. Thoughtful integration of solar technology can enhance aesthetics while reducing fossil fuel dependence. With proper planning and consideration of regulations, creative solar projects enable beautiful, sustainable, sun-powered homes.


Let it Shine: Creative Ways to Use Solar Energy for Your Property

When you launch the [free Earth Hero app](https://www.earthhero.org/app/) (and we certainly hope that you do this regularly, or will very soon), you’ll be greeted by a rotating selection of salient and thought-provoking quotes from some of the world’s great thinkers. One of these quotes is from global climate leader Greta Thunberg, who said, “You're never too small to make a difference”.

Indeed, small is a very big deal. 

That concept is one of Earth Hero’s [guiding principles](https://www.earthhero.org/principles), namely that, “We support quick, simple, ‘easy’ personal actions, as they may help shift the culture within a household or change a local community, but they also count in motivating people towards further action.”

It’s also a main reason why many people choose to use the Earth Hero app. Alex Young of Nashville, USA, said he regularly launches the app to identify and implement “quick fixes" that help him decrease his carbon footprint. “I can, on a daily basis, while sitting on that couch over there, reduce the number of emails that I'm going to get, or reduce the number of promotional product mailers I get, or just understand what is my time-to-value with each of these things, which has been very good,” he told Earth Hero team member Sabrina Morellato during a recent app-user interview. 

And success in implementing smaller solutions can lead to gratifying, ongoing success, he noted. “Actions become easier as you do them several times. Like talking about climate. Hard at first, but it becomes easier as I learn how to implement and maintain an action.”

Mohamed Assem, of Canada, added that the app’s large selection of small, achievable actions allows users to participate in the effort to combat climate change, without feeling overwhelmed.  “The point of being an environmentalist is not to put too much pressure, but to use it in a positive way, not guilting myself,” he said.

And as a recent reviewer said on the Apple App Store: “[The Earth Hero app] teaches you that one person really can make a massive difference and not even with too much effort!”

When Mohammed and Alex and others all accomplish “quick fixes”, without feeling overwhelmed, it certainly adds up, and helps move the needle. As Vincent Van Gogh said, “Great things are done by a series of small things brought together.”

To help you get started with thinking small, we have compiled the following selection of “quick, simple, ‘easy’ personal actions.” You can use these to begin your journey, or to enhance the efforts that you are already making to decrease your carbon pollution. All of these actions, and more, are available on the Earth Hero app, where you can see how each small action you take contributes to the greater objective of addressing the climate emergency.

## **ADVOCACY & CHOICE**

**_1. Research Investing Jargon_**
Prioritize understanding investment jargon, whether you're an experienced investor or new to the field. Gain financial wisdom to support suitable companies and enhance your investments. Mastery of sustainable investment language empowers better financial decisions, aligning your investments with environmental values.

Learn more here: <https://www.earthhero.org/act/280-research-investing-jargon>

**_2. Drawdown Climate Solutions 101_**
Dive into a free, enlightening video course on tackling the climate crisis! Hear from global leaders and expand your toolkit for positive change. Whether you're new or seasoned, explore solutions (and check out the trailer) at the [Drawdown Climate Solutions 101 site](https://drawdown.org/climate-solutions-101). 

Learn more here: <https://www.earthhero.org/act/453-drawdown-climate-solutions-101>

**_3. Write YOUR Representatives_**
Our actions matter, but the battle for our future needs everyone! If leaders stay stuck in pollution, we're stuck too. Let's rally! Elected folks shape the rules. Join Earth Heroes, join forces, and ping your reps about our needs.

Learn more here: https://www.earthhero.org/act/180-write-your-representatives

**_4. Watch Top Climate Documentaries_**
Boost decision smarts with fun science docs! Get clued in on climate, talk the talk, and be a change champ. Dive into cool films for a hotter planet.

Learn more here: <https://www.earthhero.org/act/308-watch-top-climate-documentaries>

**_5. Research and Vote Accordingly_**
Familiarize yourself with representatives from local to national levels. Look beyond media portrayals, researching their environmental stance, affiliations, and solutions support. This brief effort enlightens you, aids informed voting, and facilitates discussions with peers. Identifying shared interests forges collaborative change.

Learn more here: <https://www.earthhero.org/act/287-research-and-vote-accordingly>

**_6. Change Search Engine to Ecosia_**
Ecosia's not your typical search engine. They plant trees with every click! Hundreds of million so far, mainly in climate-vulnerable areas. Plus, they rock solar power for eco-friendly browsing. Small step, big win. Join the millions already using it and search with purpose.

Learn more here: <https://www.earthhero.org/act/238-change-search-engine-to-ecosia>

**_7. Follow Sustainable Influencers_**
Explore sustainable influencers if you're into social media and visual learning. Sharing their content sparks conversations and introduces sustainability to others. Even subscribing boosts their reach, reaching new audiences unfamiliar with the concept.

Learn more here: <https://www.earthhero.org/act/510-follow-sustainable-influencers>

## **FAMILY & COMMUNITY**

**_8. Talk About Climate_**
Speak up! Combat the climate crisis by discussing it openly. Sharing personal emissions and actions highlights the issue's personal relevance, inspiring action. Everyday conversations reach a wider audience, making a bigger impact than formal talks.

Learn more here: <https://www.earthhero.org/act/168-talk-about-climate>

**_9. Join a Climate Action Group_**
Join a climate action group to amplify your voice collectively. Together, you'll learn, gain resources, allies, and confidence in your climate activism journey. Forge friendships with fellow passionate climate activists along the way.

Learn more here: <https://www.earthhero.org/act/233-join-a-climate-action-group>

**_10. Thank Climate Change Trailblazers_**
Shift social norms by vocally supporting positive actions. Expressing gratitude not only fosters well-being but also impacts givers, receivers, and observers. Thank early green adopters in your community for driving positive change.

Learn more here: <https://www.earthhero.org/act/260-thank-climate-change-trailblazers>

**_11. Review Eco-Friendly Businesses_**
Online reviews shape decisions for products, restaurants, and experiences. Review eco-friendly places to aid discovery and promote sustainable businesses. Hold non-sustainable ones accountable. Your voice drives positive change.

Learn more here: <https://www.earthhero.org/act/212-review-eco-friendly-businesses>

**_12. Like, Comment, Share_**
Liking, commenting, or sharing a post sends a powerful signal and triggers positive effects. Social media algorithms favor interactive posts, amplifying positive environmental messages. Each interaction promotes a culture of progress in society.

Learn more here: <https://www.earthhero.org/act/214-likecomma-commentcomma-share>

**_13. Be a Better Gift Giver + Receiver_**
Balancing climate actions with loved ones' preferences is complex. Harness gifting as a chance to influence positively. Choose eco-friendly gifts that enhance their lives and consider handling unwanted gifts gracefully. Your choices inspire a broader ripple effect, impacting beyond your circle.

Learn more here: <https://www.earthhero.org/act/265-be-a-better-gift-giver-plus-receiver>

**_14. Borrow Library Books_**
By borrowing instead of buying books, each copy is read by multiple people - reducing the number of copies that need to be produced. This saves trees, and reduces the associated transportation fuel usage. 

Learn more here: <https://www.earthhero.org/act/684-borrow-library-books>

**_15. Watch Top Climate Documentaries_**
Boost decision-making with knowledge. Enjoy science documentaries to grasp the climate crisis, enhancing your advocacy for impactful solutions and a brighter future.

Learn more here: <https://www.earthhero.org/act/308-watch-top-climate-documentaries>

## **FOOD**

**_16. Eat More Nuts!_**
Nuts are a top choice in terms of nutrition and environmental impact. Efficient production, low carbon emissions, and carbon storage in nut trees make them planet-friendly. Their natural state provides sustained energy and potential health benefits, promoting weight loss and well-being.

Learn more here: <https://www.earthhero.org/act/283-eat-more-nuts>!

**_17. Drink Plant Milk_**
Plant-based milk options, like oat, almond, and coconut milk, gain popularity for various reasons: environmental concern, cow treatment, and taste preference. With over a third of some populations already consuming non-dairy milk weekly, the trend is growing. Cow milk's vast production, methane emissions, and land use contribute to climate issues and deforestation. Explore plant-based alternatives for a more sustainable and possibly tastier choice.

Learn more here: <https://www.earthhero.org/act/284-drink-plant-milk>

**_18. Reduce Food Waste_**
Cut food waste to save resources and money. Discarded food wastes water, land, and energy from production and transportation. Global per-person food waste is substantial, equating to significant financial loss. Reducing waste could have a massive positive impact on both the environment and economy. Join the movement!

Learn more here: <https://www.earthhero.org/act/46-reduce-food-waste>

**_19. Save Singles at the Supermarket_**
Opt for single bananas and loose produce to save money, cut food waste, and reduce plastic use. The myth of faster banana ripening in bunches means you can choose exact amounts. Combat household food waste, which drains money and resources, while supporting eco-friendly shopping practices.
Learn more here: <https://www.earthhero.org/act/430-save-singles-at-the-supermarket>

## **HOME & OFFICE**

**_20. Change Light Bulbs to LEDs_**
Boost energy efficiency by switching to LEDs as bulbs burn out. This collective effort slashes energy use and pollution. Longer-lasting LEDs save time, money, and energy costs compared to incandescents, lasting 25,000+ hours versus 1,000.

Learn more here: <https://www.earthhero.org/act/80-change-light-bulbs-to-leds>

**_21. Wash Clothes on Cold Cycle_**
Modern detergents with enzymes are more effective in cold water, being gentler on clothes, preventing fading and shrinking. Cold water washing saves money too, as 90% of energy used in laundry is from water heating, while just 10% powers the washer motor.

Learn more here: <https://www.earthhero.org/act/92-wash-clothes-on-cold-cycle>

**_22. Turn Down Your Water Heater_**
Lowering your water heater's temperature not only saves money but also prevents scalding accidents. Many heaters are set hotter than needed; adjust the temperature to conserve energy and experience the benefits.

Learn more here: <https://www.earthhero.org/act/108-turn-down-your-water-heater>

**_23. Unsubscribe from Email Lists_**
Unwanted spam emails harm the environment by consuming energy, often from non-clean sources. Unsubscribing curbs energy waste from both sender and receiver, saving time and resisting unnecessary purchases. Unsubscribe for a minor personal benefit and a positive environmental impact.

Learn more here: <https://www.earthhero.org/act/227-unsubscribe-from-email-lists>

**_24. Use Cloth Napkins and Towels_**
Join the trend: swap paper for cloth napkins and towels, conserving trees and funds. Elevate your home, cut waste, and ditch disposable products for a more convenient, eco-friendly choice.

Learn more here: <https://www.earthhero.org/act/135-use-cloth-napkins-and-towels>

**_25. Use Bar Soap, Shampoo, and More_**
Traditional liquid personal care products like hand soap, shampoo, and conditioner come with hidden environmental costs due to plastic packaging and shipping water. Bar options, with lower carbon footprints, offer a greener alternative. Compact, waste-reducing, and efficient, they help cut down on plastic waste and contribute to a more sustainable future.

Learn more here: <https://www.earthhero.org/act/482-use-bar-soapcomma-shampoocomma-and-more>

**_26. Gift Plants and Cuttings to Others_**
Share plants and cuttings as gifts for a generous act with added benefits. Plants enhance aesthetics, air quality, and mental well-being, fostering care for nature. Gifted plants promote mindfulness and positive mental health, while also potentially aiding biodiversity and community connections.

Learn more here: <https://www.earthhero.org/act/341-gift-plants-and-cuttings-to-others>

**_27. Manage Your Fridge and Freezer_**
Refrigerators and freezers are major energy consumers at home, especially if aged. Enhance efficiency by setting optimal temperatures, sealing doors, cleaning coils, and maintaining airflow. Properly filling them to about three-quarters capacity boosts cooling and reduces energy usage.

Learn more here: <https://www.earthhero.org/act/215-manage-your-fridge-and-freezer>

## **TRAVEL & TRANSPORT**

**_28. Drive More Efficiently_**
Cars, motorcycles, buses, and taxis contribute significantly to global emissions. Regardless of your vehicle's efficiency, driving smarter saves money and cuts pollution. If you are still driving a vehicle that uses gas/petrol/diesal, each drop of saved fuel lessens climate impact, and improved driving habits could enhance fuel efficiency by nearly 40%.

Learn more here: <https://www.earthhero.org/act/20-drive-more-efficiently>

**_29. Stop Vehicle Idling_**
Switch off your gas vehicle when idle, even at lights or stops if you are still driving a vehicle that uses gas/petrol/diesal. Improve local air quality, protect health, and combat pollution. Engine idling links to asthma, heart disease, and lung cancer due to emissions. Implementing this easy habit makes a difference.

Learn more here: <https://www.earthhero.org/act/28-stop-vehicle-idling>

**_30. Avoid Hotel Toiletries_**
Carry your own toiletries for convenience and reduced plastic consumption. Admire but avoid single-use mini products. Opt for bar soaps and mention bulk dispensers to hotel staff. This small change lessens plastic demand and contributes to fighting climate change.

Learn more here: <https://www.earthhero.org/act/515-avoid-hotel-toiletries>

**BUT THAT’S NOT ALL!** Didn’t find an action that fits your lifestyle? There are plenty more ideas for easy yet impactful actions on the[ Earth Hero website](https://www.earthhero.org/act), and in our[ amazing free app](https://www.earthhero.org/app). Please visit, download, and start doing anything you can to help save the planet.


30 Easy Ways to Kickoff a Sustainable Lifestyle

**[Climate change and global warming](https://www.wwf.org.uk/climate-change-and-global-warming) are not topics to consider casually or procrastinate about addressing at some later date. They are our biggest worldwide priorities. Or at least they should be, and the more that time drags on, the more pressing the issues become.**

Each decision we make as people, on a planet with finite resources and rising global temperatures, impacts the atmosphere and environment in some way or another. From the energy that we use to power our mobile phones and vehicles to the food we eat, from the ways we heat and cool our homes to the ways we wash our clothes, eco-friendliness and sustainability remain hot topics of conversation (no pun intended). 

Being eco-friendly is increasingly important to minimise the damage we inflict on the environment. As more people continue to strive to reduce carbon emissions, even more are trying to find other, sustainable ways they can live and work on a planet on the brink of reaching an [‘irreversible’ climate breakdown](https://climate.nasa.gov/faq/16/is-it-too-late-to-prevent-climate-change/). Despite this bleak outlook, every action, however little, can decrease the extent of damage done.

## Being Sustainable Should Not Be Seen as Temporary

Currently, global carbon emissions must fall by about half by 2030 if all nations are to meet the [internationally agreed target of a 1.5°C rise in temperatures](https://unfccc.int/process-and-meetings/the-paris-agreement) above pre-industrial levels (also known as the Paris Climate Agreement). Most countries are then aiming to achieve net zero carbon status by 2050.

However, many people are still unclear on how they can be helping as individuals, or even whether there is any merit to them making large-scale changes of their own, especially considering influential and powerful oil corporations continue to [make record profits](https://www.energymonitor.ai/finance/big-oil-profits-soared-to-nearly-200bn-in-2022/) while pushing pollution costs onto the rest of us. 

Around [40% of carbon emissions](https://www.theccc.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2016/07/5CB-Infographic-FINAL-.pdf) come from households, with the average home producing 8.2 tonnes of CO₂ per year. While this sounds daunting, this is an improvement from [the 1990 averages](https://heatable.co.uk/boiler-advice/average-carbon-footprint#:~:text=In%20short%2C%20the%20report%20makes,current%20average%20of%208.1%20tonnes.), decreasing by about 4.7 tonnes. Fundamentally, much of these emissions come from how we heat and power our homes, as well as our transportation choices and food choices. It’s widely believed that we have to [reduce our emissions by 57% by 2030](https://www.greenmatch.co.uk/blog/2019/02/households-fight-greenhouse-gas-emissions) if we are to reach the next milestone of becoming carbon-neutral.

Making sustainable swaps in energy, transport and diet can make a huge difference. Fundamentally, however, it doesn’t have to be seen as an ‘all or nothing’ change, nor should you view this as a way to live sustainably for a short period, until, say, the milestone is reached, and then revert to older, unsustainable habits. 

Making smaller, incremental changes to your lifestyle can combine to make a positive long-term difference. If everybody made such changes, the collective benefits would be even greater. The good news is that many meaningful changes, including those highlighted below are easier to achieve and commit to than you might think. Plus a lot of these will help improve your life and save you money!

## 1. Go Vegetarian or Vegan or Eat Less Meat

Animal agriculture is responsible for producing more greenhouse gases than the entire world’s collective transportation systems together. It takes approximately [1,850 gallons of water](https://www.watercalculator.org/news/articles/beef-king-big-water-footprints/) to produce one pound of beef, inflicting significant demand on water supplies. This isn’t even accounting for the [ethical considerations](https://www.ethicalconsumer.org/food-drink/what-factory-farming-why-it-problem) associated with intensive factory farming, or the wide amount of health benefits anyone can experience by adopting a vegetarian or vegan lifestyle.

The reality is that eating a mostly or entirely plant-based diet is easier than ever in many areas. Supermarkets and restaurants are bringing more inclusive and tasty vegetarian and vegan options to their shelves and menus, respectively. By reducing your meat intake - even in small amounts to begin with - you will be reducing pressure on land used to grow animal feed. This reduces threats to biodiversity and the earth’s ecosystems, which in turn helps to minimise the effects of climate change. 

## 2. Recycle, Sell or Donate Unwanted Items

Getting rid of any unused or unwanted items can give them a new purpose. You may know friends or family that would benefit from reusing electronics, ornaments, artwork, furniture or numerous other household essentials. Alternatively, used or unwanted items can often be donated to charities that will put them to good use. 

If not, they may be recyclable, so it’s worth checking with your local waste management department to [ensure your items can be recycled](https://www.earthhero.org/act/122-recycle-everything-you-can) instead of added to the landfill pile. By recycling, items get broken down into materials which can be used in new products, which can lessen the impact of raw material production. 

## 3. Buy Less and Shop Sustainably

The best thing you can buy for the environment and your bank account is nothing. It takes a lot of energy and resources to create new stuff. Sure, we need some new things to lead a good life, but is all really necessary and bringing you happiness?

Beyond that, whopping as sustainably as possible can reduce the impact of widespread industrial waste pollution. Food shopping is a necessity, yet presents a variety of challenges such as  single-use plastic in packaging (which isn’t recyclable), the carbon emissions caused by imports throughout the numerous product supply chains, and the amount of food waste. As a consumer, you can do your part by bringing your own containers for food or shopping in sustainable stores that import local, fair trade or organic produce. 

Sustainable shopping doesn’t just extend to food, but clothing and electronics as well. The clothing industry is responsible for [10% of global greenhouse gas emissions](https://earth.org/fast-fashion-pollution-and-climate-change/) (1.2 billion tonnes of CO₂ released per year), so buying second-hand clothes from outlets or charity shops is a good way to counteract this. You can repurpose old items and reduce the impact of new production lines, not to mention saving in costs too. As far as electronics go, e-waste continues to be a growing problem, but there are options for reusing old equipment such as laptops, TVs, and even [digital cameras](https://www.mpb.com/en-uk), if you are a tech aficionado. If reusing is not feasible, check with your local waste management agency for details on how to properly dispose of electronics and other household hazardous waste.

## 4. Green Travel Choices

Choosing to walk, cycle or take public transport are [greener alternatives to driving](https://www.earthhero.org/act/8-bike-instead-of-drive). Switching to these alternative methods of transport can decrease the amount of carbon created by vehicles. While public transport vehicles like buses or trains still create emissions, the fact that multiple people can use the same vehicle instead of driving individual cars means that public transportation is much greener. 

Walking and cycling also have plenty of health benefits, and more companies are taking advantage of schemes like [the Cycle to Work scheme](https://www.bikeradar.com/advice/buyers-guides/cycle-to-work-scheme-everything-you-need-to-know/), which can be incentivised. However, depending on where you live, sometimes this may not be feasible. In this case, switching to electric cars is a much more eco-friendly way to reduce emissions, and these cars look set to become more available and affordable in the coming years.

## 5. Be Smarter With Energy

Becoming more environmentally friendly often begins by looking at your energy usage and conserving as much energy as possible. By draught-proofing your home, and adding double or triple glazing and insulation, you’ll naturally make the home warmer, while not relying so much on central heating. Choose LED light bulbs and high-energy efficiency appliances to keep your electricity consumption to a minimum. 

If it’s feasible for you to do so, you may want to consider switching to low-carbon heating systems like heat pumps, which are significantly more energy-saving than standalone gas boilers. There are often government schemes to help with the upfront costs associated with installing heat pumps in your home. 

Induction hobs are far more energy-efficient, cooking at faster speeds than gas stoves, which can save more electricity over time as well as avoid causing fumes in the home. Therefore, it’s worth upgrading this appliance if you can. 

Furthermore, you may also wish to approach alternative energy suppliers, particularly those that use clean energy. This can also end up saving you money, which is handy in turbulent, financially-testing times when energy prices are soaring.

For an easy and engaging way to track your progress and impact, along with more inspirational ideas on how to improve your life in a sustainable and eco-friendly way, why not [download the Earth Hero app](https://www.earthhero.org/app)? Through action comes hope!


5 Easy Tips to Start Working and Living More Sustainably

**People light up the night almost without thinking, as we have for millennia. At the minimal level, we do this instinctively for our survival and protection. But the practice has grown to destructive extremes in modern societies. With a lack of understanding and appreciation for the night sky, most have failed to consider the costs and consequences of turning darkness into light. Instead, particularly in urban areas, we have come to expect and admire bright lights at night.**

What goes unseen is the extent that nighttime lighting wastes vast amounts of money and energy (typically in the form of electricity generated from burning fossil fuels), damages ecosystems, and detrimentally affects our own health. There are estimates that lighting accounts for 15 percent of global electricity consumption and 5 percent of greenhouse gas emissions. It is a huge waste that comes with significant pollution and economic costs.

The good news is that awareness about light pollution is growing, along with effective solutions and success stories. Even better, because our connections to the night sky are deep and diverse, so too are the areas of opportunity, covering a wide range of topics at multiple levels to accommodate almost any interest and level of effort or ability. From simply sharing useful information on social media or changing a lightbulb, to participating in a photography contest, astronomy club, or similar community events, citizen science data collection, educational activities for any age group, or advocacy for long-term improvements to lighting infrastructure, chances are that you can readily make a valuable contribution. 

You can join an existing effort in your area, dive deep to launch a new endeavor, or anything in between! Audubon’s Lights Out program, which focuses on protecting migratory birds as they travel between summer and winter habitats, can elevate interest and serve as a jump start to broader efforts. Contributors to [The World At Night](https://twanight.org/) advance an international effort to present stunning nightscape images that bridge art, science, and culture. Events such as IDA Tokyo’s recent [Light Pollution Symposium 2022](https://idatokyo-org.translate.goog/1783/?_x_tr_sl=auto&_x_tr_tl=en&_x_tr_hl=en-US) are held regularly around the globe. Canada’s first Urban Night Sky Place, [parc du Mont-Bellevue](https://www.darksky.org/our-work/conservation/idsp/unsp/parc-du-mont-bellevue-quebec), was recently certified, culminating several years of effort by multiple partners to combat light pollution. In addition to recognizing dark sky places, the [International Dark Sky Association](https://www.darksky.org/) engages and recognizes individual advocates and offers a plethora of free material to get you started. There are many resources available to inspire and enable, regardless of your interest and abilities or where you live. 

Consider the following ways to do your part.

**Save energy and money**:

• Turn off lights when not in use or use automatic sensors.

• Use efficient LED bulbs and lighting fixtures with shields that only brighten areas where needed.

**Contribute your time to building awareness and community support**:

• A great place to get started is to join up with [Globe at Night](https://www.globeatnight.org/). You can help measure night-sky brightness and contribute your data to build knowledge and inform action.

• Contribute to an existing event or coordinate a new stargazing, lights-out, or similar activity to inform and engage.

• If you are an educator, incorporate light pollution into your programming or curriculum(s).

**Advocate for broader change in your community and beyond**:

• Research and then urge your community to adopt or improve a lighting ordinance, especially for street lighting.

• Reach out to local elected official(s) or building manager(s) to build awareness and stimulate change. [Audubon's Lights Out program](https://www.audubon.org/lights-out-program) provides sample letters and other resources.

• Urge your employer or school to take a [Lights Out Pledge](https://sustainability.wustl.edu/lights-out-pledge-protects-migrating-birds/) or otherwise commit to evaluating and improving outdoor lighting. 

Above all, if you don’t already, learn to enjoy the darkness of night and make a habit of it. While humans cannot see well in the dark, many creatures depend on it.  If you can escape to a quiet natural area after dark, consider yourself lucky and take advantage of it!  Soak in the sounds and sky and observe the nightlife.

For tips, references, and additional resources on how to be involved, see Earth Hero’s [Protect the Night Action](https://www.earthhero.org/act/705-protect-the-night).


Energy

Cut fossil fuel use and support clean, renewable energy through choices at home and in policy.