45,000+ students realised their study abroad dream with us. Take the first step today
Here’s your new year gift, one app for all your, study abroad needs, start your journey, track your progress, grow with the community and so much more.
Verification Code
An OTP has been sent to your registered mobile no. Please verify
Thanks for your comment !
Our team will review it before it's shown to our readers.
Global Warming Essay in English 250 Words for Students
- Updated on
- Oct 25, 2024
Writing an essay on global warming is essential for understanding one of the most pressing global challenges of our time. Essays are vital to academic learning and are frequently included in exams like SAT, UPSC, IELTS, and TOEFL. They help students articulate thoughts clearly and analyze societal and environmental issues. Global warming, as a topic, is of critical importance because it addresses concerns that have long-term consequences for ecosystems, weather patterns, and human life. In this article, we’ll explore the causes, effects, and solutions to global warming and offer tips on how to write an effective essay on global warming. This guide gives students insights into the topic, helping them engage in meaningful discussions on this global issue.
This Blog Includes:
Short essay on global warming and climate change, what are the causes of global warming, how global warming affects weather patterns and seasonal changes worldwide, solutions for global warming, effects of global warming, essay on global warming in 100 – 150 words, global warming essay in 250 words, essay on global warming in 500 words, essay on global warming upsc, climate change and global warming essay, tips to write an essay on global warming, faqs on global warming.
Since the industrial and scientific revolutions, Earth’s resources have been gradually depleted. Furthermore, the start of the world’s population exponential expansion is particularly hard on the environment. Simply put, as the population’s need for consumption grows, so does the use of natural resources , as well as the waste generated by that consumption.
Climate change has been one of the most significant long-term consequences of this. Climate change is more than just the rise or fall of global temperatures; it also affects rain cycles, wind patterns, cyclone frequencies, sea levels, and other factors. It has an impact on all major life groupings on the planet.
Also Read: Essay on Yoga Day
What is Global Warming?
Before writing an Essay on Global Warming, we must understand global warming. It is the unusually rapid increase in Earth’s average surface temperature over the past century, primarily due to the greenhouse gases released by people burning fossil fuels . The greenhouse gases include methane, nitrous oxide, ozone, carbon dioxide, water vapor, and chlorofluorocarbons. The weather prediction has been becoming more complex with every passing year, with seasons more indistinguishable, and the general temperatures hotter.
The number of hurricanes, cyclones, droughts, floods, etc., has risen steadily since the onset of the 21st century. The supervillain behind all these changes is Global Warming. The name is quite self-explanatory; it means the rise in the temperature of the Earth.
When writing an essay on global warming, knowing what causes it is important. Understanding these causes will help you write better and give useful suggestions for reducing global warming. According to recent studies, many scientists believe the following are the primary four causes of global warming:
- Deforestation
- Greenhouse emissions
- Carbon emissions per capita
Extreme global warming is causing natural disasters , which can be seen everywhere. One of the causes of global warming is the extreme release of greenhouse gases that become trapped on the earth’s surface, causing the temperature to rise. Similarly, volcanoes contribute to global warming by spewing excessive CO 2 into the atmosphere.
The increase in population is one of the major causes of Global Warming. This increase in population also leads to increased air pollution . Automobiles emit a lot of CO 2 , which remains in the atmosphere. This increase in population is also causing deforestation, which contributes to global warming.
The earth’s surface emits energy into the atmosphere through heat, keeping the balance with the incoming energy. Global warming depletes the ozone layer, bringing about the end of the world. There is a clear indication that increased global warming will result in the extinction of all life on Earth’s surface.
Global warming significantly alters natural weather patterns, leading to unpredictable seasons and extreme weather events. Higher global temperatures contribute to severe storms, prolonged droughts, and increased frequency of wildfires. Understanding these shifts and their impact on agriculture, water supplies, and human health underscores the need for climate change mitigation strategies.
Why Urgent Action on Global Warming Is Essential for Environmental Stability
Addressing global warming is crucial to maintaining ecological balance and preventing further harm to Earth’s climate. Without action, rising temperatures lead to severe consequences such as more natural disasters, increased droughts, and displaced wildlife. Immediate steps toward sustainable energy, conservation, and pollution control can prevent irreversible damage and promote a healthier planet.
Global warming is a serious challenge, but we can slow its impact and protect the planet with collective efforts and effective strategies. Here are some key solutions to address the global warming issue, which you can mention while writing an essay on global warming.
1. Community Efforts & Activism
- Activism and community involvement are crucial to slowing global warming.
- Governments must develop concrete plans and step-by-step programs to prevent further environmental harm.
2. Collaboration Across All Levels
- Individuals, communities, and governments must work together to find solutions.
- Key focus areas include pollution control, managing population growth, and sustainable use of natural resources.
3. Reduce Plastic Use
- Plastic production is a major contributor to global warming, and recycling takes years.
- Reducing plastic consumption can significantly lower emissions.
4. Combat Deforestation
- Planting more trees restores green spaces and helps control global warming.
- Deforestation must be minimized to maintain ecological balance.
5. Regulate Industrialization
- Industries should be restricted from operating in green zones to protect ecosystems.
- Clear rules are needed to ensure industrial activities do not harm plants or wildlife.
Also Read: Essay on Pollution
Global warming has wide-ranging consequences that impact the environment, wildlife, and human life. Here are some key effects to understand and mention in your essay on global warming, highlighting the urgency of addressing this issue.
- Misinformation and Political Influence : Some try to deny global warming for political gain, but it is crucial to promote accurate information.
- Melting Glaciers and Arctic Shrinkage : Rapid glacier retreat and shrinking Arctic ice are clear signs of climate change.
- Rising Sea Levels and Flooding : Sea-level rise is causing floods in low-lying regions, endangering coastal communities.
- Extreme Weather Events : Global warming triggers severe weather, including heavy rains, extreme temperatures, wildfires, and storms.
- Threats to Marine Life and Coral Reefs : Many marine species face extinction due to warming oceans, and coral reefs are also at risk of disappearing soon.
- Impact on Biodiversity and Humans : The extinction of species will increase, disrupting ecosystems. Furthermore, humans will face more environmental challenges and natural disasters in the years ahead.
Sample Essays on Global Warming
These sample essays on global warming explore its causes, impacts, and potential solutions. We offer essays on global warming in various lengths, including 100, 150, 250, and 500 words. Take a look!
Global Warming is caused by increased carbon dioxide levels in the earth’s atmosphere. It is a result of human activities that have been causing harm to our environment for the past few centuries. Global Warming can’t be ignored, and steps must be taken to tackle the situation globally. The average temperature is constantly rising by 1.5 degrees Celsius over the last few years.
The best method to prevent future damage to the earth is cutting down more forests should be banned, and Afforestation should be encouraged. Start by planting trees near your homes and offices, participate in events, and teach the importance of planting trees. It is impossible to undo the damage, but it is possible to stop further harm.
Over a long period, it is observed that the temperature of the earth is increasing. This affected wildlife, animals, humans, and every living organism. Glaciers have been melting, and many countries have started water shortages, flooding, and erosion and all this is because of global warming.
No one can be blamed for global warming except for humans. Human activities such as gases released from power plants, transportation, and deforestation have increased gases such as carbon dioxide, CFCs, and other pollutants in the earth’s atmosphere. The main question is how to control the current situation and build a better world for future generations. It starts with little steps by every individual.
Start using cloth bags made from sustainable materials for all shopping purposes, instead of using high-watt lights, use energy-efficient bulbs, switch off the electricity, don’t waste water, abolish deforestation and encourage planting more trees. Shift energy from petroleum or other fossil fuels to wind and solar energy. Instead of throwing out the old clothes donate them to someone so that it is recycled.
Donate old books; don’t waste paper. Above all, spread awareness about global warming. Every little thing a person does towards saving the earth will contribute in big or small amounts. We must learn that 1% effort is better than no effort. Pledge to take care of Mother Nature and speak up about global warming.
Also Read: Concept of Sustainable Development
Global warming isn’t a prediction, and it is happening! In the most simple terms, a person denying it or unaware of it is complicit. Do we have another planet to live on? Unfortunately, we have been bestowed with this one planet only that can sustain life, yet over the years, we have turned a blind eye to the plight it is in. Global warming is not an abstract concept but a global phenomenon occurring ever so slowly, even now. Global Warming occurs every minute, resulting in a gradual increase in the Earth’s overall climate. Brought about by greenhouse gases that trap the solar radiation in the atmosphere, global warming can change the entire map of the earth, displacing areas, flooding many countries, and destroying multiple lifeforms. Extreme weather is a direct consequence of global warming, but it is not an exhaustive consequence. There are virtually limitless effects of global warming which are all harmful to life on earth. The sea level is increasing by 0.12 inches per year worldwide. This is happening because of the melting of polar ice caps because of global warming. This has increased the frequency of floods in many lowland areas and has caused damage to coral reefs. The Arctic is one of the worst-hit areas affected by global warming. Air quality has been adversely affected, and the acidity of the seawater has also increased, causing severe damage to marine life forms. Severe natural disasters are brought about by global warming which has had dire effects on life and property. As long as mankind produces greenhouse gases, global warming will continue to accelerate. The consequences are felt at a much smaller scale which will increase to become drastic shortly. The power to save the day lies in the hands of humans, who need to seize the day. Energy consumption should be reduced on an individual basis. Fuel-efficient cars and other electronics should be encouraged to reduce the wastage of energy sources. This will also improve air quality and reduce the concentration of greenhouse gases in the atmosphere. Global warming is an evil that can only be defeated when fought together. It is better late than never. If we all take steps today, we will have a much brighter future tomorrow. Global warming is the bane of our existence, and various policies have come up worldwide to fight it, but that is not enough. The actual difference is made when we work individually to fight it. Understanding its import now is crucial before it becomes an irrevocable mistake. Exterminating global warming is of utmost importance, and we are as responsible for it as the next.
Always hear about global warming everywhere, but do we know what it is? The evil of the worst form, global warming, is a phenomenon that can affect life more fatally. Global warming refers to the increase in the earth’s temperature as a result of various human activities. The planet is gradually getting hotter and threatening the existence of lifeforms on it. Despite being relentlessly studied and researched, global warming for the majority of the population remains an abstract concept of science. It is this concept that, over the years, has culminated in making global warming a stark reality and not a concept covered in books. Global warming is not caused by one sole reason that can be curbed. Multifarious factors cause global warming, most of which are a part of an individual’s daily existence. Burning of fuels for cooking, in vehicles, and for other conventional uses, a large amount of greenhouse gases like carbon dioxide and methane, amongst many others, is produced, which accelerates global warming. Rampant deforestation also results in global warming as lesser green cover results in an increased presence of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere, which is a greenhouse gas. Finding a solution to global warming is of immediate importance. Global warming is a phenomenon that has to be fought unitedly. Planting more trees can be the first step that can be taken toward warding off the severe consequences of global warming. Increasing the green cover will result in regulating the carbon cycle. There should be a shift from using nonrenewable energy to renewable energy, s uch as wind or solar energy, which causes less pollution and thereby hinders the acceleration of global warming. Reducing energy needs at an individual level and not wasting energy in any form is the most important step to be taken against global warming. The warning bells are tolling to awaken us from the deep slumber of complacency we have slipped into. Humans can fight against nature, and it is high time we acknowledged that. With all our scientific progress and technological inventions, fighting off the negative effects of global warming is implausible. We have to remember that we do not inherit the earth from our ancestors but borrow it from our future generations and the responsibility lies on our shoulders to bequeath them a healthy planet for life to exist.
Also Read: Essay on Disaster Management
Global Warming and Climate Change are two sides of the same coin. Both are interrelated with each other and are two issues of major concern worldwide. Greenhouse gases released, such as carbon dioxide, CFCs, and other pollutants in the earth’s atmosphere, cause Global Warming, which leads to climate change. Black holes have started to form in the ozone layer that protects the earth from harmful ultraviolet rays.
Human activities have created climate change and global warming. Industrial waste and fumes are the major contributors to global warming.
Another factor affecting is the burning of fossil fuels, deforestation and also one of the reasons for climate change. Global warming has resulted in shrinking mountain glaciers in Antarctica, Greenland, and the Arctic and causing climate change. Switching from the use of fossil fuels to energy sources like wind and solar.
When buying any electronic appliance, buy the best quality with energy savings stars. Don’t waste water, and encourage rainwater harvesting in your community.
Writing an effective essay on Global Warming requires skills that few people possess, and even fewer know how to implement. While writing an essay on global warming can be a challenging and sometimes daunting task, there are key strategies that can help you draft a successful piece. These include focusing on the structure of the essay, planning it carefully, and emphasizing important details.
Here are some pointers to help you write essays with better structure and thoughtfulness, ensuring your message resonates with your readers:
- Prepare an outline for the essay on global warming to ensure continuity and relevance and no break in the structure of the essay
- Decide on a thesis statement that will form the basis of your essay. It will be the point of your essay and help readers understand your contention
- Follow the structure of an introduction, a detailed body, followed by a conclusion so that the readers can comprehend the essay in a particular manner without any dissonance.
- Make your beginning catchy and include solutions in your conclusion to make the essay insightful and lucrative to read
- Reread before putting it out and add your flair to the essay to make it more personal and thereby unique and intriguing for readers
Ans. Both natural and man-made factors contribute to global warming. The natural one also contains methane gas, volcanic eruptions, and greenhouse gases. Deforestation, mining, livestock raising, burning fossil fuels, and other man-made causes are next.
Ans. The government and the general public can work together to stop global warming. Trees must be planted more often, and deforestation must be prohibited. Auto usage needs to be curbed, and recycling needs to be promoted.
Ans. Switching to renewable energy sources , adopting sustainable farming, transportation, and energy methods, and conserving water and other natural resources.
Ans: Essay on Global Warming: A Critical Challenge Global warming is a significant environmental issue caused primarily by the rising levels of carbon dioxide and other greenhouse gases in the Earth’s atmosphere, largely due to human activities such as deforestation, the burning of fossil fuels and industrial processes. Over the past few decades, the average global temperature has increased by approximately 1.5 degrees Celsius, resulting in severe consequences for ecosystems and weather patterns worldwide. To combat global warming, immediate action is necessary. One effective strategy is to halt deforestation and promote afforestation. Planting trees in our communities can make a substantial difference, as trees absorb carbon dioxide and provide essential oxygen. Individuals can contribute by participating in local tree-planting initiatives and raising awareness about the importance of a healthy environment. While we cannot reverse the damage already done, we have the power to prevent further harm and protect our planet for future generations.
Ans: Global Warming: An Urgent Concern Global warming is a critical issue characterized by the gradual increase in Earth’s average temperature due to human-induced emissions of greenhouse gases, particularly carbon dioxide. These emissions primarily stem from activities like burning fossil fuels, industrial production, and deforestation. As a result, we are witnessing alarming effects, including melting ice caps, rising sea levels, and extreme weather events. To address global warming, urgent action is required. Transitioning to renewable energy sources, such as solar and wind, can significantly reduce carbon emissions. Additionally, promoting energy efficiency in our daily lives can contribute to this effort. By raising awareness and fostering community initiatives, we can encourage sustainable practices that protect our planet. Collective action today can pave the way for a healthier environment for future generations.
Ans: Global warming means the long-term increase in Earth’s average temperature. This rise is mainly caused by human activities that release greenhouse gases, like carbon dioxide and methane, into the atmosphere. Key sources of these emissions include burning fossil fuels for energy, cutting down forests, and industrial processes. As a result, we are seeing serious problems like rising sea levels, more extreme weather events, and harm to wildlife. The effects of global warming are already noticeable. Many places face droughts, floods, and heatwaves. To tackle this urgent issue, we need a variety of solutions. Switching to renewable energy sources such as solar and wind power can significantly lower emissions. Additionally, using energy more efficiently, planting trees, and practicing sustainable farming can help too. By increasing awareness and working together, we can fight against global warming and build a healthier world for future generations.
Ans – Global warming alters habitats, forcing species to migrate or adapt. Rapid temperature changes threaten species that cannot adapt quickly, leading to reduced biodiversity and the loss of unique ecosystems.
Ans – Global warming increases the risk of heat-related illnesses, respiratory issues from pollution, and diseases spread by insects. Extreme weather events also strain healthcare systems, affecting communities’ access to medical care.
Ans. While it cannot be entirely reversed, reducing greenhouse gas emissions and adopting sustainable practices can slow its progression. Reforestation, renewable energy, and conservation efforts are critical in mitigating its effects.
Ans. Renewable energy sources like wind, solar, and hydro produce electricity without emitting greenhouse gases. Switching to renewables reduces dependence on fossil fuels, significantly lowering emissions that contribute to global warming.
Ans. Global warming causes glaciers and polar ice caps to melt, adding water to the oceans and causing sea levels to rise. Higher sea levels increase the risk of coastal flooding, impacting ecosystems and human settlements.
Relevant Blogs
For more information on such interesting topics, visit our essay writing page and follow Leverage Edu.
Digvijay Singh
Having 2+ years of experience in educational content writing, withholding a Bachelor's in Physical Education and Sports Science and a strong interest in writing educational content for students enrolled in domestic and foreign study abroad programmes. I believe in offering a distinct viewpoint to the table, to help students deal with the complexities of both domestic and foreign educational systems. Through engaging storytelling and insightful analysis, I aim to inspire my readers to embark on their educational journeys, whether abroad or at home, and to make the most of every learning opportunity that comes their way.
Leave a Reply Cancel reply
Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment.
Contact no. *
This was really a good essay on global warming… There has been used many unic words..and I really liked it!!!Seriously I had been looking for a essay about Global warming just like this…
Thank you for the comment!
I want to learn how to write essay writing so I joined this page.This page is very useful for everyone.
Hi, we are glad that we could help you to write essays. We have a beginner’s guide to write essays ( https://leverageedu.com/blog/essay-writing/ ) and we think this might help you.
It is not good , to have global warming in our earth .So we all have to afforestation program on all the world.
thank you so much
Very educative , helpful and it is really going to strength my English knowledge to structure my essay in future
Thank you for the comment, please follow our newsletter to get more insights on studying abroad and exams!
Global warming is the increase in 𝓽𝓱𝓮 ᴀᴠᴇʀᴀɢᴇ ᴛᴇᴍᴘᴇʀᴀᴛᴜʀᴇs ᴏғ ᴇᴀʀᴛʜ🌎 ᴀᴛᴍᴏsᴘʜᴇʀᴇ
Leaving already?
8 Universities with higher ROI than IITs and IIMs
Grab this one-time opportunity to download this ebook
Connect With Us
45,000+ students realised their study abroad dream with us. take the first step today..
Resend OTP in
Need help with?
Study abroad.
UK, Canada, US & More
IELTS, GRE, GMAT & More
Scholarship, Loans & Forex
Country Preference
New Zealand
Which English test are you planning to take?
Which academic test are you planning to take.
Not Sure yet
When are you planning to take the exam?
Already booked my exam slot
Within 2 Months
Want to learn about the test
Which Degree do you wish to pursue?
When do you want to start studying abroad.
January 2025
September 2025
What is your budget to study abroad?
How would you describe this article ?
Please rate this article
We would like to hear more.
What can we do to slow or stop global warming?
There is no one-size-fits-all approach to stopping or slowing global warming, and each individual, business, municipal, state, tribal, and federal entity must weigh their options in light of their own unique set of circumstances. Experts say it is likely many strategies working together will be needed. Generally speaking, here are some examples of mitigation strategies we can use to slow or stop the human-caused global warming ( learn more ):
- Where possible, we can switch to renewable sources of energy (such as solar and wind energy) to power our homes and buildings, thus emitting far less heat-trapping gases into the atmosphere.
- Where feasible, we can drive electric vehicles instead of those that burn fossil fuels; or we can use mass transit instead of driving our own cars.
- Where affordable, we can conserve energy by better insulating our homes and buildings, and by replacing old, failing appliances with more energy-efficient models.
- Where practicable, we can counterbalance our annual carbon dioxide emissions by investing in commercial services that draw down an equal amount of carbon out of the atmosphere, such as through planting trees or carbon capture and storage techniques.
- Where practical, we can support more local businesses that use and promote sustainable, climate-smart practices such as those listed above.
- We can consider placing an upper limit on the amount of carbon dioxide we will allow ourselves to emit into the atmosphere within a given timeframe.
Note that NOAA doesn’t advocate for or against particular climate policies. Instead, NOAA’s role is to provide data and scientific information about climate, including how it has changed and is likely to change in the future depending on different climate policies or actions society may or may not take. More guidance on courses of action can be found in the National Academy of Sciences' 2010 report, titled Informing an Effective Response to Climate Change . Also learn more here, here, and here .
Thanks to low friction between train wheels and tracks, and level train tracks with gradual turns, trains have high energy efficiency. Photo from National Park Service Amtrak Trails and Rails .
Stabilizing global temperature near its current level requires eliminating all emissions of heat-trapping gases or, equivalently, achieving a carbon-neutral society in which people remove as much carbon from the atmosphere as they emit. Achieving this goal will require substantial societal changes in energy technologies and infrastructure that go beyond the collective actions of individuals and households to reduce emissions.
We value your feedback
Help us improve our content
Related Content
News & features, after sandy: changes and choices, national climate assessment: states and cities are already reducing carbon emissions to save lives and dollars, improving models for wind energy, maps & data, climate forcing, sst - sea surface temperature, land - terrestrial climate variables, teaching climate, toolbox for teaching climate & energy, climate youth engagement, young voices for the planet film series, climate resilience toolkit, climate science for water professionals, carbon balance, alaska and the arctic.
2X MATCH: Defend our planet from the Trump agenda
The second Trump administration poses the gravest threat to our environment that we’ve ever faced—so our work to stop it begins NOW. Your gift will be 2X MATCHED to help our lawyers, scientists, and policy experts defend our planet from Trump’s dangerous Project 2025 agenda.
How You Can Stop Global Warming
Healing the planet starts in your garage, in your kitchen, and at your dining room table.
Weatherizing doors and windows by sealing drafts can make your home more energy efficient.
Getty Images
- Share this page block
Rising sea levels. Raging storms. Searing heat. Ferocious fires. Severe drought. Punishing floods. The effects of climate change are already threatening our health, our communities, our economy, our security, and our children’s future.
What can you do? A whole lot, as it turns out. Americans, on average, produce 21 tons of carbon a year, about four times the global average. Personal action is, of course, no substitute for meaningful government policies. We still must limit carbon pollution and aggressively move away from dirty fossil fuels toward cleaner power.
But it’s important to remember the equally vital contributions that can be made by private citizens—which is to say, by you. “Change only happens when individuals take action,” says clean energy advocate Aliya Haq. “There’s no other way, if it doesn’t start with people.”
Here are a dozen easy, effective ways each one of us can make a difference.
1. Speak up!
What’s the single biggest way you can make an impact on global climate change? “Talk to your friends and family, and make sure your representatives are making good decisions,” Haq says. By voicing your concerns—via social media or, better yet, directly to your elected officials —you send a message that you care about the warming world. Encourage Congress to enact new laws that limit carbon emissions and require polluters to pay for the emissions they produce. “The main reason elected officials do anything difficult is because their constituents make them,” Haq says. You can help protect public lands, stop offshore drilling, and more here .
2. Power your home with renewable energy.
Choose a utility company that generates at least half its power from wind or solar and has been certified by Green-e Energy , an organization that vets renewable energy options. If that isn’t possible for you, take a look at your electric bill; many utilities now list other ways to support renewable sources on their monthly statements and websites.
3. Weatherize, weatherize, weatherize.
“Building heating and cooling are among the biggest uses of energy,” Haq says. Indeed, heating and air-conditioning account for almost half of home energy use. You can make your space more energy efficient by sealing drafts and ensuring it’s adequately insulated. You can also claim federal tax credits for many energy efficiency home improvements. To help you figure out where to start, you could also get a home energy audit, which some utilities offer free of charge. (Alternatively, you can hire a professional to come to your home and perform one; the Inflation Reduction Act offers a partial tax credit for this.) The EPA’s Home Energy Yardstick gives you a simple assessment of your home’s annual energy use compared with similar homes.
4. Invest in energy-efficient appliances.
Since they were first implemented nationally in 1987, efficiency standards for dozens of appliances and products have kept 2.3 billion tons of carbon dioxide out of the air. That’s about the same amount as the annual carbon pollution coughed up by nearly 440 million cars. “Energy efficiency is the lowest-cost way to reduce emissions,” Haq says. When shopping for refrigerators, washing machines, heat pump water heaters , and other appliances, look for the Energy Star label. It will tell you which are the most efficient. (There may also be rebates to earn from your purchase of Energy Star–certified products.)
And when you’re ready to swap out your old machines, don’t just put them on the curb: Recycling an old refrigerator through the EPA’s Responsible Appliance Disposal Program can prevent an additional 10,000 pounds of carbon pollution because the global-warming pollutants in the refrigerants and foam would be properly captured rather than vented to the air.
5. Reduce water waste.
Saving water reduces carbon pollution, too. That's because it takes a lot of energy to pump, heat, and treat your water. So take shorter showers, turn off the tap while brushing your teeth, and switch to WaterSense -labeled fixtures and appliances. The EPA estimates that if just one out of every 100 American homes were retrofitted with water-efficient fixtures, about 100 million kilowatt-hours of electricity per year would be saved—avoiding 80,000 tons of global warming pollution .
6. Actually eat the food you buy—and compost what you can’t.
Approximately 10 percent of U.S. energy use goes into growing, processing, packaging, and shipping food—about 40 percent of which winds up in the landfill. “If you’re wasting less food, you’re likely cutting down on energy consumption,” Haq says. As for the scraps you can’t eat or the leftovers you don’t get to, collect them in a compost bin instead of sending them to the landfill where they release methane. Recycling food and other organic waste into compost provides a range of environmental benefits, including improving soil health, reducing greenhouse gas emissions, recycling nutrients, and mitigating the impact of droughts.
7. Buy better bulbs.
LED light bulbs use one-sixth the amount of energy to deliver the same amount of light as conventional incandescents and last at least 10 times longer. They’re also cheaper in the long run: A 10-watt LED that replaces your traditional 60-watt bulb will save you $125 over the light bulb’s life. And because the average American home has around 40 to 50 light bulbs, this is a simple swap that will reap huge rewards. If every household in the United States replaced just one incandescent with an Energy Star–labeled LED, we would prevent seven billion pounds of carbon pollution per year. That’s equivalent to the emissions of about 648,000 cars.
8. Pull the plug(s).
Taken together, the outlets in your home are likely powering about 65 devices—an average load for a home in the United States. Audio and video devices, cordless vacuums and power tools, and other electronics use energy even when they're not charging. This "idle load" across all U.S. households adds up to the output of 50 large power plants in the country . So don't leave fully charged devices plugged into your home's outlets, unplug rarely used devices or plug them into power strips and timers, and adjust your computers and monitors to automatically power down to the lowest power mode when not in use.
9. Drive a fuel-efficient vehicle.
Gas-smart cars, such as hybrids and fully electric vehicles, save fuel and money . And once all cars and light trucks meet 2025’s clean car standards, which means averaging 54.5 miles per gallon, they’ll be a mainstay. For good reason: Relative to a national fleet of vehicles that averaged only 28.3 miles per gallon in 2011, Americans will spend $80 billion less at the pump each year and cut their automotive emissions by half. Before you buy a new set of wheels, compare fuel-economy performance here .
10. Maintain your ride.
If all Americans kept their tires properly inflated, we could save 1.2 billion gallons of gas each year. A simple tune-up can boost miles per gallon anywhere from 4 percent to 40 percent, and a new air filter can get you a 10 percent boost. Also, remove unnecessary accessories from your car roof. Roof racks and clamshell storage containers can reduce fuel efficiency by as much as 5 percent.
11. Rethink planes, trains, and automobiles.
Choosing to live in walkable smart-growth cities and towns with quality public transportation leads to less driving, less money spent on fuel, and less pollution in the air . Less frequent flying can make a big difference, too. “Air transport is a major source of climate pollution,” Haq says. “If you can take a train instead, do that.” If you must fly, consider purchasing carbon offsets to counterbalance the hefty carbon pollution associated with flying. But not all carbon offset companies are alike. Do your homework to find the best supplier.
12. Reduce, reuse, and recycle.
In the United States, the average person generates 4.5 pounds of trash every day. Fortunately, not all the items we discard end up in landfills; we recycle or compost more than one-third of our trash. In 2014 this saved carbon emissions equivalent to the yearly output of 38 million passenger cars . But we could be doing so much more. “ Reduce should always be the number-one priority,” says NRDC senior resource specialist Darby Hoover . And to reap the environmental benefits of “recyclable” goods, you must recycle according to the rules of your municipality, since systems vary widely by location . Search your municipality’s sanitation department (or equivalent) webpage to learn exactly what you can place in the recycling bin, as counties and cities often differ in what they accept.
This story was originally published on April 20, 2022 and has been updated with new information and links.
This NRDC.org story is available for online republication by news media outlets or nonprofits under these conditions: The writer(s) must be credited with a byline; you must note prominently that the story was originally published by NRDC.org and link to the original; the story cannot be edited (beyond simple things such as grammar); you can’t resell the story in any form or grant republishing rights to other outlets; you can’t republish our material wholesale or automatically—you need to select stories individually; you can’t republish the photos or graphics on our site without specific permission; you should drop us a note to let us know when you’ve used one of our stories.
Related Stories
A Consumer Guide to the Inflation Reduction Act
What Are the Solutions to Climate Change?
How to Ditch the Biggest Fossil Fuel Offenders in Your Life
When you sign up, you’ll become a member of NRDC’s Activist Network. We will keep you informed with the latest alerts and progress reports.
IMAGES