The International Energy Agency said supply-side measures alone cannot “fully offset” the energy crisis unleashed by the conflict in the Middle East as it called on consumers to reduce demand.

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The International Energy Agency (IEA) is calling on consumers to do their part to ease the energy crisis unleashed by the US-Israel war on Iran.

The conflict, which has quickly spread to other countries in the Middle East, has triggered the largest supply disruption in the history of the global oil market, the IEA said in a report on Friday. Iran has effectively blocked traffic in the Strait of Hormuz, one of the world’s busiest oil shipping channels. Some 20-25% of global oil supply typically passes through it, making it a critical global energy chokepoint.

The passage’s closure has sent crude oil prices above $100 per barrel and has driven even sharper increases in refined products such as diesel, jet fuel, and liquefied petroleum gas (LPG), the IEA said. Member states of the agency, which include the US, UK and Japan, agreed to release a record 400 million barrels of oil from emergency reserves to ease pressure.

But, the agency said, “supply-side measures alone cannot fully offset the scale of the disruption,” calling on consumers to play their part.

In the report, the IEA identifies 10 measures that governments, businesses, and households can implement, addressing road transport, air travel, and industry. These include working remotely where possible, cutting highway speed by at least 10 km/h, switching from stove to electric cooking, carrying out vehicle maintenance and optimizing load to cut vehicle diesel needs as well as opting for alternatives to air travel, if available.

Some governments, especially in hard-hit Asia, have already implemented emergency demand-side energy conservation measures in response to the Middle East conflict, such as introducing price caps, tax cuts, or subsidies on fossil fuels. Indonesia, Vietnam, and Thailand are among the countries encouraging or mandating remote working for civil servants, limiting travel by public officials, and encouraging limits on air conditioning temperatures. Many are also calling on the public to limit energy demand in homes and offices and take public transport.

“[T]oday’s report provides a menu of immediate and concrete measures that can be taken on the demand side by governments, businesses and households to shelter consumers from the impacts of this crisis,” said IEA Executive Director Fatih Birol, who warned that the impacts on energy markets and economies are set to become “more and more severe.”

“I believe it will be of use to governments around the world, in both advanced and developing economies, in these challenging times,” Birol added.

Featured image: Jeffry S.S. via Pexels.

More on the topic: Iran War: What the Gulf Conflict Tells Us About Energy Security

As the holiday season approaches, the Christmas tree stands as a central symbol of celebration. However, whether you choose a real pine or an artificial one, that festive centerpiece always comes at an environmental cost. With the holidays around the corner, this guide will help you navigate the tricky choice and make the most sustainable decision this holiday season.

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Carbon footprint

A two-meter tall Christmas trees carries an average carbon footprint of about 3.5 kilograms of carbon dioxide (CO2) if disposed of through methods such as wood chipping or burning. However, if they are left to decompose in landfills, their carbon footprint can rise to about 16 kilograms of CO2.

While some advocate for plastic trees, citing their reusability as an eco-friendly feature, the environmental impact tells a different story. For instance, a two-metre-tall artificial tree is estimated to have a carbon cost of 40kg when eventually thrown away. To put it into perspective, one would need to reuse an artificial Christmas tree for at least 12 years to match the eco-friendliness of a real Christmas tree.

Biodegradable vs non-biodegradable

Real Christmas trees offer significant environmental benefits as they are biodegradable and pose no chemical harm to their surroundings. Once composted, these trees can be repurposed as lumber, mulch, or fertilizers. Some real Christmas trees have even been strategically placed at the bottoms of ponds, rivers, and oceans to establish new underwater habitats.

Before being harvested, real Christmas trees play a vital role in supporting the natural ecosystem by providing shelter for various bird and mammal species while also actively sequestering carbon dioxide and releasing oxygen. However, concerns arise from researchers who point out that these trees may not reach their full carbon sequestration potential as they are typically harvested in their “teenage years”, before reaching peak maturity.

In stark contrast, artificial Christmas trees are predominantly crafted from petroleum-based plastics like polyvinyl chloride (PVC) and metal. Their non-biodegradable and non-recyclable nature contributes to landfill overflow at the end of their life cycle, releasing more greenhouse gases and toxic chemicals into the environment. Additionally, the manufacturing process often occurs in developing nations before shipping to wealthier countries in the Global North, further adding to their substantial carbon footprint through transportation.

You might also like: When Planting Trees Threatens Forests

Christmas Trees and Consumerism 

Christmas trees have seamlessly integrated into our consumer culture, with approximately 25-30 million trees sold in the US and 50-60 million in European countries each year. However, a notable portion of these trees no longer find their place as traditional home decorations. Instead, in recent times, they have increasingly become fixtures in shopping malls, adorned with dazzling lights and ‘Instagrammable’ ornaments to entice more shoppers and visitors. Consequently, the original symbolism of Christmas trees as a representation of familial togetherness has gradually eroded.

Moreover, the high demand for Christmas trees disrupts their native ecosystems. Farmers must allocate substantial resources to nurture these trees under optimal conditions before harvesting. In regions where certain tree species are non-native, the extensive use of water, herbicides, pesticides, and fungicides to promote tree growth not only harms the local environment but also disrupts the natural balance. Human-introduced plantations can lead to severe environmental disturbances and even trigger natural disasters. In essence, the exorbitant demand for Christmas trees exacts a toll on the original ecosystems, highlighting the environmental costs imposed by our societal craving for these festive symbols.

Sustainable Christmas Trees

While it is clear that real Christmas trees might be more eco-friendly, the farming practices to meet global demands could degrade natural ecosystems. Still, some Christmas trees are more sustainable than others.

Here are five ways to make sure your festive purchase this year is as environmentally-friendly as possible:

1. Purchase a second-hand artificial tree;
2. Decorate a living outside tree;
3. Buy a live potted tree;
4. Reutilise the trunk as firewood;
5. Reutilise the trunk as a decorative piece and a resting area for birds and various types of cute animals.

The traditional significance of the Christmas tree lies in offering hope to individuals during the long, harsh winter months. However, with the advent of mass production and modern consumerism, the authentic essence of the Christmas tree is becoming increasingly obscured. Additionally, the substantial demand for Christmas trees poses a persistent threat to the existing ecosystem. The ongoing discourse on the environmental implications of real versus artificial Christmas trees is multifaceted.

As the holiday season approaches, it is crucial to contemplate how we can safeguard our environment and cultivate greater environmental awareness in our purchasing decisions.

Featured image: Wikimedia Commons. This article was originally published on December 21, 2021.

You might also like: 10 Deforestation Facts You Should Know About

The pressures of climate change and environmental crises – experienced directly or through reporting – are negatively affecting our mental health. In a world defined by rapid change, maintaining our well-being is not a luxury; it is a necessity. We must adopt proactive self-care and coping mechanisms to ensure we can keep driving positive change without compromising our mental health.

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Pollution, natural disasters, and other environmental hazards are causing many people to experience increasing feelings of anxiety over the future of our planet. In 2022, the National Institute for Health Care Management (NICHM) released an infographic revealing that 61% of the world population felt anxious about climate change, and 67% reported feeling afraid. 

Many of us experience feelings of anxiety and a sense of helplessness when we come across news stories and headlines about natural disasters and the impacts of climate change. Experiencing environmental crises first-hand also negatively impacts our mental health. Natural disasters and extreme weather patterns are often traumatic and are life-altering for entire communities.

There is no question that exposure to environmental crises through news sources and lived experience takes a toll on our mental health. But it is exactly for this reason that we must begin prioritizing self-care and learning effective coping strategies to continue making positive changes toward a hopeful tomorrow.

Bad News

In order to understand how exposure to environmental issues through the news can lead to negative emotions and mental health outcomes, it is important to understand how we consume information and how this impacts our brains. 

First of all, we tend to pay more attention to negative news and overlook the positive. This is not a bad thing in itself; this tendency helped keep our ancestors safe and prevented them from being eaten by predators like saber-toothed tigers. While it might sound counter-intuitive, being in a state of fight or flight triggers the release of a neurotransmitter, dopamine, which plays a crucial role in our brain’s reward center. Being chased by a dangerous predator might not seem like a rewarding experience but to our ancestors, the safety of escape would have been akin to winning the lottery. The release of dopamine reinforces the motivation to fight or flee our way to safety. 

Instead of running from wild animals to avoid getting eaten, we now have to contend with broader existential threats. Most of us scroll through various feeds on different social media apps and consume information curated to our unique, individual interests. Just like our ancestors, we too pay attention to things that we perceive as potential threats to our survival.

Because of our natural propensity toward noticing threats to our safety, most people will agree that their social media feeds are riddled with negative headlines. This is because algorithms are built to display content that generates the most engagement. The headlines that get the most clicks are usually ones that align with our inclination toward identifying perceived threats. Because climate change and other environmental crises pose a threat to our safety and well-being, it is no surprise that we are surrounded by headlines that revolve around the existential threats of rising temperatures. 

More on the topic: 4 Ways Social Media Can Further Climate Research

Our salience of danger has served us well, ensuring our survival for thousands of years. However, in today’s world, it does more harm than good to our mental health. Our perception is influenced by the information we consume. When mostly negative pieces of information constantly surround us, whether we are conscious of it or not, our mood is negatively impacted.

Some of us might become desensitized and apathetic to events that would otherwise elicit an emotional response. Others experience the opposite, leading to hypervigilance and increased fear while going about day-to-day life. Both of these outcomes are often seen in individuals who have experienced traumatic events. This is because, even though we might not experience a tragedy firsthand, it is still distressing when we hear about it. 

The Aftermath We Cannot See

While it is unlikely that watching the news will give you post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), living through a natural disaster very well might. According to the US Department of Veterans Affairs’ National Center for PTSD, approximately 30% to 40% of people who have been directly affected by a natural disaster will develop PTSD. A 2023 review exploring intervention and treatment options for survivors of natural disasters revealed that within the first two years following natural disasters, 5% to 60% of those affected will experience PTSD-related symptoms. 

One of the biggest risk factors for developing PTSD is a lack of social support and low social cohesion among communities. Natural disasters can destroy the livelihoods of many people in a short amount of time, leading to home loss, job loss, and even the loss of loved ones and pets. For those with already little social support, these losses can be that much more devastating. 

Rising temperatures and extreme heat also have a negative impact on our mental health. People with certain pre-existing mental health conditions have been estimated to have a 5% increase in mortality for every increase of 1C (1.8F). 

Most people can relate to feeling irritated or cranky during the hottest days of the year. Extreme temperatures negatively affect our overall mental health in multiple ways. For one thing, higher temperatures result in poor quality of sleep. Just as light influences our sleep-wake cycles, temperature also plays a role in regulating our circadian rhythms. Poor sleep quality has a negative impact on mood and exacerbates mental health conditions such as depression and anxiety. 

Taking Care of Ourselves Is Taking Care of the Planet

Experiencing feelings of distress when encountering information about the state of the environment and climate change is not an unreasonable reaction. If we did not care, we would not worry. For many of us, these feelings serve as a powerful motivator to take the necessary steps to make changes in our personal lives and our communities. As we know, these feelings can also lead to poor mental health and wellness. It is difficult to feel motivated when we get to the point of losing hope, which is why self-care and coping strategies are important measures we must take in order to continue making positive impacts for the future of our planet. 

If you are experiencing anxiety over climate change or environmental destruction, you may find it challenging to find a means of self-care that comes without guilt. Many people, when thinking of self-care, imagine getting a manicure, spending a day at the spa, eating comfort foods, or shopping sprees. Some of these activities can be harmful to the environment and may create more negative feelings for those who are already feeling down in the dumps about the state of the environment. Firstly, it is not self-care if it creates more negative feelings than there were before. Secondly, self-care is not one-size-fits-all. 

Here are some self-care and coping strategies you can try the next time you notice environmental issues affecting your mental health and well-being:

1. Unplug or unfollow

As mentioned, we are constantly bombarded with information through sources like the news or social media. The unfortunate reality is that much of this information is negative, no matter the topic. Set a time limit for how long you scroll through your phone each day or temporarily step away from social media. If temporarily deleting your social media apps or setting a time limit seems like too much, unfollowing pages that spike your anxiety is also an option. Remember, you can always follow any pages you unfollow later on. 

2. Shift the focus to what is within your control

We are not going to save the world overnight. One person cannot repair the damage that has been done alone. It is important to remember that a lot of issues related to the environment are systemic. While this is frustrating, and often makes us feel powerless, there are still many things that we can do that are within our control. Sometimes, we need to step away from those larger problems that are beyond our reach and take inventory of what changes or impacts we can make in our personal lives and within our communities. Remember, even the smallest things make a huge impact. 

3. Be in touch with nature

We spend so much time on our phones worrying about the environment instead of spending time with it, that it is easy to forget that our Earth is still very much alive and beautiful. You do not have to be in the middle of the wilderness to appreciate nature. Go for a walk to your local park, or just simply around the block. Research has shown that spending 120 minutes outdoors each week, just 17 minutes a day, is linked to positive mental health and wellness outcomes. If you are not sure how to spend that time outside, you might consider sipping your morning coffee on your patio, planting a small herb garden, or simply meditating are great ways to get started. If you do not live near any green spaces, bring the green inside your home with some easy maintenance houseplants.  

4. Remember to take care of your physical health and safety

Sometimes, the weather might not permit us to go outside and be in touch with nature. Whether the reason is severe weather or extreme heat, it is important to make sure you take care of your physical health and safety. Keep your cool during heatwaves by drinking plenty of water, and avoid going outside during the hottest hours of the day. If your air conditioner is not working or keeping your home cool enough, try heading to a public space that has air like your local library or grocery store to wait out the heat. During severe storms, stay in doors and away from windows. Have a battery powered radio on hand in case you lose power, and be aware of hazards such as broken power lines after the storm has passed. Making sure you are prepared and know what to do when the weather is not great can help prevent illness and injury, and give you some peace of mind even in difficult situations.

Final Thoughts 

Environmental crises and climate change are distressing issues that can have a profound impact on our mental wellness. Whether bad news about natural disasters is bringing the mood down, or you are recovering from the aftermath of a severe storm, it is important to address the impact of environmental issues on our mental health.

Taking a break from the news, celebrating the positive impacts we make (no matter how big or small), spending time outdoors are all simple things we all do to take care of ourselves. Taking care of our mental health also means taking care of our physical health and safety during extreme weather events.

When we are our best selves, the motivation to make positive changes comes easier than when we feel hopeless. Remember that there is always a rainbow at the end of each storm.

This article was originally published on April 11, 2024.

Whether you are commuting to work or relaxing in the evening, podcasts are a great way to learn more about the world around you. From environmental science and climate litigation podcasts to investigative podcasts detailing how the climate crisis is already shaping our lives and what we can do about it, these are our latest podcast recommendations.

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1. Going Wild with Dr. Rae Wynn-Grant

PBS Nature’s Going Wild is returning for a fourth season on April 22 to coincide with Earth Day. On this chart-topping and multi-award-winning show, acclaimed wildlife ecologist and host Dr. Rae Wynn-Grant speaks with nature advocates – ranging from a paleoanthropologist who hunts fossils in conflict zones to a former butterfly technician who saved an endangered species while incarcerated. Each episode features a different nature champion and explores what led them to create change within themselves, their community, and the natural world.

2. Climate Rising

Harvard Business School’s Climate Rising explores how some of the world’s biggest business leaders are approaching the devastating effects of climate change. It unites business and policy experts with HBS faculty to exchange perspectives on the actions businesses are taking, can take, and ought to take in addressing the issue of climate change.

Climate Rising delves into the numerous obstacles and prospects that climate change presents for managers, including choices regarding their business locations, technological innovations, strategic approaches concerning products, marketing, customer interactions, and policies.

3. Real Organic Podcast

Real Organic Podcast is produced by the Real Organic Project, a farmer-led movement dedicated to preserving the integrity of organic food. It cuts through greenwashing to shed light on the forces reshaping organic agriculture. Through in-depth discussions with farmers, scientists, and activists, this series explores the policies, practices, and people working to uphold the integrity of organic agriculture in the face of industrialization. 

4. Outrage + Optimism

Co-hosted by Christiana Figueres and Tom Rivett-Carnac, who oversaw the landmark Paris Agreement on climate change, and CDP founder, Paul Dickinson, Outrage + Optimism explores the stories behind the headlines on climate change, talking to the change-makers turning challenges into opportunities. They delight in progress, question greenwash and get to grips with the difficult issues – sharing it all with their listeners along the way.

5. NASA’s Curious Universe Podcast

Curious Universe – an official NASA podcast hosted by astrophysicist and head of NASA’s Exoplanets and Stellar Astrophysics Laboratory Padi Boyd and audio producer Jacob Pinter – brings you mind-blowing science and space adventures you won’t find anywhere else.

Explore the cosmos alongside astronauts, scientists, engineers, and other top NASA experts who are achieving remarkable feats in science, space exploration, and aeronautics. Learn something new about the wild and wonderful universe we share. All you need to get started is a little curiosity.

6. A Matter of Degrees

In A Matter of Degrees, Dr. Leah Stokes and Dr. Katharine Wilkinson tell stories about the powerful forces behind climate change — and the tools we have to fix it. With the help of dozens of climate leaders, they tell stories of bold solutions and groundbreaking campaigns, stories of misdeeds and corruption and efforts to stop them, and stories of people doing their best to be a part of the solution.

7. Earth to Humans

This podcast gives more information about global conservation efforts, more research about their impacts and more ways to be an advocate for the planet. An interview series, this podcast features top experts in conservation, wildlife and environmental justice. 

You might also like: Top 20 Environmental Films You Can’t Miss

8. Climate Court Voices

Climate Court Voices is a new podcast dedicated to shedding light on pivotal climate litigation battles worldwide and amplifying the voices of those at the forefront of climate justice and environmental activism. Hosted by Earth.Org’s Editor-in-Chief Martina Igini, the podcast features interviews with climate activists and lawyers behind key climate court battles, from the youth-led Montana case to South Korea’s first constitutional claim on climate change.

9. Think Sustainably

Think Sustainably focuses on sustainability and the overall impact of consumption. From waste to wealth, and grids to growth, the show digs into the impact of consumption across all areas of life – it tracks the movements, discoveries and technologies making way for a sustainable future.

While less of a story-driven podcast, there is a lot of information and recent research regarding environmental issues. At only 20-30 minutes, these episodes are perfect for those looking for bite-sized snippets of larger issues.

10. When Science Finds a Way

Wellcome’s acclaimed podcast hosted by Alisha Wainwright explores the human stories behind science in action. The third season, which launched on September 10, includes powerful episodes on early warning systems, exploring how science can help vulnerable communities adapt to escalating climate disasters, as well as on sustainable diets, providing useful tools that guide people towards diets that are healthier and more sustainable, addressing the dual challenge of human health and climate-linked food policy.

11. Yale Climate Connections

Hosted by Dr Anthony Leiserowitz of Yale University, this podcast is a daily two-minute investigative podcast detailing how the climate crisis is already shaping our lives and what we can do about it. From fossil fuels to extreme weather, clean energy to public health, and more, this is your daily dose of climate change reality- and hope.

It seeks to help individuals, corporations, media, NGOs, government agencies, academics, artists, and more learn from each other about constructive “solutions” so many are undertaking to reduce climate-related risks and wasteful energy practices.

12. The Food Fight

In The Food Fight, one of the few food-related environmental podcasts on Earth.Org’s list, Matt Eastland and Lucy Wallace examine the biggest challenges facing the food system, and the innovations and entrepreneurs looking to solve them. Recent episodes look at how coffee waste can power a sustainable future, and whether 3D printing could be the future of food.

13. The Nature Podcast

Produced by Nature Journal, the podcast brings listeners the best stories from the world of science each week. Topics range from astronomy to zoology and highlight the most exciting research from each issue of Nature Journal. Featuring interviews with the scientists behind the results, the podcast provides in-depth analysis from Nature’s journalists and editors.

14. So Hot Right Now

Though this podcast haven’t updated since 2021, it’s still a fantastic resource in understanding how we can survive in the era of climate change. Environmental journalist Lucy Siegle and wildlife filmmaker Tom Mustill spoke to those who have made it their mission to be vocal about how we are laying waste to our beautiful planet, including David Attenborough, former president of Ireland Mary Robinson, UN climate negotiator Christiana Figueres and Native American Veteran and Organizer Krystal Two-Bulls.

This podcast is informal, personal and passionate and will provide you with the tools to communicate about the climate crisis to anyone, be it your dad or the UN.

15. The Climate Briefing

From the Energy, Environment and Resources Programme at Chatham House and hosted by Antony Froggatt and Anna Aberg, The Climate Briefing explores the major issues that shape UN climate negotiations and international climate politics, including the new Global Biodiversity Framework, the climate crisis in South Asia, and outcomes of UN conferences such as COP29.

16. How to Save the Planet

Brought to you by environmental charity Friends of the Earth, How to Save the Planet discusses popular stories from the climate movement and breaks down often-complex issues, like environmental racism, eco-anxiety and fracking. Frank yet inspiring, the podcast, which ran until 2021, explores solutions to the climate crisis, and how anyone can have an impact, big and small. 

17. What Could Go Right?

What if instead of being on the brink of disaster, we were on the cusp of a better world? No one can deny the challenges the world faces, from pandemics to climate change to authoritarianism. But pessimism and despair are too easy a response.

Each week on What Could Go Right?, Progress Network Founder Zachary Karabell and Executive Director Emma Varvaloucas convene a diverse panel of experts to discuss the central issues of our era, including sustainability, polarisation, work, and the economy, and make the case for a brighter future. They emerge from their conversations with a counterintuitive but informed take: progress is on its way.

18. Big Closets Small Planet: Michael Schragger

It is a well-known fact that fast fashion and the fashion industry as a whole have a detrimental effect on the environment. This environmental podcast dives into the problems that the industry currently faces and examines the strategies and solutions that we need to take on to transform it. From business leaders and activists to innovators and entrepreneurs, hear from a whole hosts of inspiring people who are trying to implement more sustainable solutions in the fashion world.

19. Climate One

Since 2007, Climate One has been the premier platform for empowering conversations about the climate emergency. Through a weekly podcast, radio show, and in-person events, Climate One from The Commonwealth Club provides a trusted place for in-depth conversations that connect diverse perspectives from across the climate community. The podcast and public radio program can be found on 80 public radio stations across the US, creating opportunities for dialogue and inspiring a more complete understanding of the current crisis.

20. Forces For Nature

In Forces for Nature, eco-podcast producer and host Crystal DiMiceli interviews people working successfully to create a healthier and more humane world, from big-name scientists to a 10-year-old with his own recycling company. The show celebrates people who are doing great things in sustainability, conservation, and animal-related issues. Each episode presents an issue being faced but then quickly pivots from the problem to the effective solution that the guest has found. It leaves the listener with actionable tips that they can do to help.

21. The Jane Goodall Hopecast

This podcast takes listeners on a one-of-a-kind jourey as they learn from Dr Jane Goodall, a renowned scientist, activist, and storyteller, extraordinary life, hear from changemaking guests from every arena, and become awed by a growing movement sparked by Goodalland fueled by hope.

22. The Climate Pod

The Climate Pod, hosted by Ty Benefiel, is a wide-ranging conversation with leading experts on the politics, economics, activism, culture, science, and social justice issues at the heart of the climate crisis. Hear from guests like Jane Goodall, Katharine Hayhoe, and Paul Krugman.

23. Switched On

Each week, Switched On brings conversations about global commodity markets and the disruptive technologies driving the transition to a low-carbon economy. Dana Perkins sits down with different BloombergNEF analysts to discuss their latest research and unique perspective on the future of energy, transport, agriculture, sustainability and more.

24. Boiling Point

Climate change is battering California. Can the state find a way forward? Every Thursday, award-winning L.A. Times columnist Sammy Roth dives deep with scientists, energy leaders, legislators, activists and journalists who are experts on today’s climate challenges and solutions. They discuss everything from electric cars to renewable energy to the difficulties of phasing out fossil fuels.

25. Living on Earth

As the planet we call home faces a climate emergency, Living on Earth, hosted by Steve Curwood, is your go-to source for the latest coverage of climate change, ecology, and human health.

You might also like: 23 Best Climate Change Books to Read

In celebration of International Day of Awareness of Food Loss and Waste, Earth.Org revisits 11 effective solutions to tackle food waste for businesses, producers, retailers, and consumers. 

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The issue of food waste ranges from industrial to individual; there are many contributing factors towards why food is wasted, such as purchasing preferences, excess production, retail standards, convenience, and cost. 

Food waste affects all three realms of sustainability: environmental, economic and social. It is a societal issue that touches everyone around the globe.

It also contributes to the larger issue of climate change. Food systems in their entirety are responsible for one-third of all human-caused greenhouse gas emissions, with food loss and waste contributing to some 8-10% of these emissions annually. 

Now, more than ever, we need solutions to food waste. Everyone has a role to play, from large corporations to small communities. While innovators have explored various solutions in the science and technology industry, there’s still much more to be done.

The Benefits of Reducing Food Waste

Reducing food waste shouldn’t just be seen as a charitable act; it also offers significant and often unrecognized benefits that go beyond the environment. For businesses, implementing innovative solutions can lead to substantial profits. By redirecting excess food to communities that need it, companies can save money and reduce their methane emissions simultaneously.

Educating the public about these benefits can encourage both businesses and consumers to monitor their waste more closely, driving a more comprehensive and impactful change.

You might also like: What is Food Waste?

Creating Circular Food Systems

Businesses can benefit in the reduction of food waste economically, socially and, on a broader scale, environmentally.

Inspired by Patagonia’s sustainability effort, the University of Maine’s Mitchell Center Team Project conducted a research project that looked into empowering businesses to adopt more sustainable food management practices. The study was conducted in collaboration with stakeholders from Maine’s various food-related industries, from grocery stores and farms to restaurants and hospitals.

The aim of the project was to determine how easily these changes can be adapted to fit the individual lifestyles of consumers. 

Using a triple bottom line approach, businesses were encouraged to equally prioritize their monetary profits with their environmental and social responsibilities. They recommended food systems to be reworked from a linear one into a circular one. In a linear system, there is a simple relationship between production to consumption, in which the end result is waste. However, with a circular economy, the goal is to recycle waste into a resource that can be used to create new products. 

Six solutions were developed through stakeholder collaboration, each one focusing on either reduction, recovery, or recycling:

1. Measuring and tracking all food storage 

Businesses were encouraged to use pre-existing food waste tracking technology. These systems can help make businesses aware of the money they are wasting on food waste that never gets to consumers. 

2. Creating a “Food Rescue” system

This solution utilized a web-based system that matched locally available food to local food needs and volunteers to transfer the food to those most in need. 

3. Promoting statewide consumer and producer waste education

Consumer education and awareness about the food system and the waste was encouraged. Doing so helped people see the true value of the food they are purchasing. Implementing education programs in schools can also be an effective way to educate the public. 

4. Building food handling and processing infrastructure

This solution focuses on “upcycling” food that is already in the system, e.g. turning tomatoes into tomato sauce and increasing demand in canning and processing food for long-term storage. 

The aim here is to connect key members of the food system and create synergy among handling and processing stakeholders. Primary issues to be addressed are transportation availability, storage limitations, and restrictions associated with food donation. 

5. Educate producers on the advantages of donating 

The primary goal here is to educate stakeholders on food donation incentives, legal protection, and offer guidance on relevant governmental agencies. 

6. Composting alternatives 

This solution aims to increase available options for composting and other alternatives to disposal of food in landfills. Developing statewide practices to divert food waste from landfills can make huge cost savings possible. 

Changing Food Crops

The Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) recommends that producers and farmers consider transitioning to more sustainable crops. The IPCC believes that changing what we eat and grow is crucial for improving food security and reducing greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. This can be achieved by cultivating crops that are low-maintenance, resilient to extreme weather events, and can be integrated into pastures and arable land. These “climate-resilient” crops are an essential part of creating a more sustainable food system that can withstand the challenges of a changing climate.

For other ways to reduce food waste on the producer level, the US Department of Agriculture (USDA) recommends the following solutions for producers and farmers: 

1. On-farm storage 

On-farm storage is a great way to reduce post-harvest loss. Farmers should have effective, safe and accessible storage for their products. Some countries might offer a farm storage facility loan program that provides low-interest financing to help producers build or upgrade storage. 

2. Value-added products

This is where you can enhance the value of products by upcycling them into another product. The potential to reduce food waste can be made if we create value-added products. A good example of this is growing out black solider fly larvae to bioconvert the organic waste into sustainable insect protein, oil and frass which eliminates or abates on farm emissions. 

3. Secondary markets that produce delivery services

More and more businesses offer weekly or bimonthly boxes of food products that have been directly sourced from farmers. Farmers could directly collaborate with these markets to effectively control their food production. 

4. Donations 

Donations from farmers can help provide individuals with fresh produce if they have limited access to it. There have been laws and programs created to make donations easy —  liability protection, tax benefits, picking and pack-out costs, gleaning etc. 

5. Feeding animals 

Using food scraps as animal feed is a centuries-old practice and an easy way to divert food waste. However, since these animals—especially cattle—produce methane, better methods for recycling waste, like insect farming, need to be deployed.

Redirecting Food Surplus and Educational Campaigns

Food waste from restaurants and business accounts for 28% of all the food wasted globally. To tackle this issue, we must advocate for policies that limit waste and redirect surplus food to where it’s needed most, such as through food recovery programs that donate to shelters. Retailers can also make a wide variety of changes to reduce their waste, including upgrading their hardware with the latest technology, prioritizing long-term sustainability over short-term returns, modifying internal policies, and ensuring all food—even “wonky” produce—is accepted for sale.

Supermarkets, in particular, play a significant role as they can provide education, inspiration, and advice to their customers. Consumers often look to them for guidance on how to tackle food waste at home. Retailers can create campaigns and provide literature, like magazines and membership programs, offering tips on food waste prevention and recipes that utilize leftovers.

A successful example is the increasing number of “wonky vegetable” initiatives implemented by supermarkets in recent years. These programs encourage consumers to buy food that doesn’t meet strict aesthetic criteria, marketing it in an appealing way. For instance, in 2021, Tesco’s Perfectly Imperfect food waste scheme reportedly saved at least 50 million packs of fruits and vegetables from being discarded.

Rethink Our Food Perceptions and Habits

Food waste isn’t just a corporate issue; individuals are also responsible, as household waste accounts for 37% of the global total. To make a real difference, we need to change our habits and mindset.

A simple way to reduce food waste at home is to get organized. You can arrange your fridge so that items with the nearest expiration dates are front and center. Keeping a running list of your food inventory and its use-by dates can also help prevent overbuying and forgotten food. While this might seem time-consuming, a 2020 study showed that these small habits can lead to significant savings of both food and money.

We also need to shift our perception of food. Instead of cooking whatever we’re in the mood for, we should make meal decisions based on what needs to be used first. Furthermore, researching recipes that use leftovers and food scraps is a great way to be more resourceful. For example, increasing composting rates globally could generate carbon savings equivalent to taking roughly 15 million passenger vehicles off the road for three decades.

Sustainable Dietary Choices

Making changes to our diet can also have a significant impact. Experts agree that we consume too much fish, fats, sugars, and processed foods. The Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) recommends that we shift to a diet that primarily consists of low-carbon-footprint foods. This means focusing on items like secondary cereals, pulses, fruits, and vegetables.

By making a conscious effort to eat more plant-based foods, we can ensure a balanced diet while also lowering our carbon footprint. Meal-prepping is another excellent habit that can save time and resources, helping you avoid overbuying and food waste.

You might also like: 25 Shocking Facts About Food Waste

6 Key Facts to Help Consumers Make More Conscious Choices

Understanding food labels can help you organize your food shopping. 

1. “Sell by” date 

This date indicates the last day a product should be sold for peak quality. This date does not mean the food is no longer safe to eat; it simply suggests that the item may start to lose some of its freshness.

2. “Best if used by (or before)” date 

This date indicates when the food will be at its best quality to eat. It does not mean the food is inedible after this date, but merely informs the customer of the best time to consume the food for optimal flavor and freshness. 

3. “Guaranteed fresh” date 

This date refers to the date when the item is at its optimal freshness. This is usually used for bakery items. 

4. “Pack date” 

This is usually found on canned or packaged food. It tells us when the product was packed. It does not indicate when it needs to be consumed by. 

5. “Use By” date 

This is the last date that the manufacturer guarantees the product to be at its maximum quality. 

6. “Expires on” date 

This date is most commonly found on perishable goods like meat, dairy, and eggs. Unlike “sell by” or “best by” dates, which are about peak quality, the expiration date is directly tied to food safety.

Knowing the meaning of these dates is useful. However, it should be noted that some manufacturers might not put them on their products. For example, if you go to a meat market or a fish market, you may receive products in an ordinary bag, without a label. 

Here is a basic guide for when food is safe to eat:

• Milk – usually safe after one week after opening.
• Eggs – when stored properly in the refrigerator, eggs are often fine from three to five weeks from the date of purchase.
• Poultry and seafood – cook or freeze within one to two days from purchase.
• Beef or pork – cook or freeze within three to five days.
• Canned goods – safe to eat for years after the “best by” date as long as the can is not damaged (dented, bulging, or leaking). The acidity of the food can affect its taste and texture over time, but generally, canned goods are shelf-stable for a very long period.

Benefits of Reducing Food Waste at Home

Even though you will be making a conscious effort to help the environment, you will also be receiving benefits from reducing your food waste:

1. Money saved by planning what to buy properly.
2. Maintaining a healthy weight and preventing overeating.
3. Lessening the chances of food poisoning in your household, as storing contaminated food could accidentally be consumed without you realizing.
4. A well-organised, fresh-smelling pantry. There will be no bad smell or messy food waste around your pantry.
5. Pest control You can keep away pests, such as rats, flies and cockroaches.

Featured image by Marco Verch/Flickr.

This article was originally published on April 8, 2023.

From 40C in Kyoto, Japan, to over 50C in Silopi, Turkey, this summer has cities worldwide trapped in blankets of soaring heat. With temperatures breaking records year after year, the global demand for air conditioners is also on the rise. But are they the solution we are looking for?

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Extreme heat is the “deadliest of all climate-related hazards.” The World Meteorological Organization (WMO) estimates that around 489,000 heat-related deaths occurred globally each year between 2000 and 2019, of which 45% in Asia and 36% in Europe. 

With extreme temperatures becoming more common around the world, cooling solutions have become essential in keeping people healthy and maintaining work productivity during tropical summer months, even in places that are new to extreme heat, such as the UK. 

There are roughly 2 billion air conditioners worldwide, with the number set to almost triple to 5.6 billion by 2050. According to a 2018 report by the International Energy Agency (IEA)  this growth is mainly driven by upcoming economies with warm climates like China and India, where more people are now able to afford an air conditioner.

But access to cool indoor spaces remains a luxury for communities most vulnerable to extreme heat as ownership of air conditioners is the lowest among them. According to the IEA, the lack of efficient indoor cooling is putting an estimated 2-4 billion people at risk of heat stress, mainly in the Global South. 

Environmental Impact 

At the same time, air conditioners are increasingly contributing to global warming. By 2050, cooling will account for 10% of global greenhouse gas emissions, according to a UN report.

The warming they generate is mainly linked to the use of hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs) in existing air conditioners. Emissions of these syntactic gases mainly occur when equipment is leaking, for example due to incorrect maintenance or disposal. HFCs are syntactic gases that have a much greater impact on global warming than carbon dioxide.

Furthermore, record-breaking temperatures are also increasing electricity demand as cooling units use a lot of energy. Globally, demand is expected to increase by up to 40% by 2030, according to the IEA. Fully meeting demands during the simmering summer months with renewable energy remains challenging, with fossil fuels still largely filling the gap. Globally, demand for coal increased 1% in 2024, with intense heatwaves in China and India – which pushed up cooling needs – contributing more than 90% of the total annual increase.

While cooling systems’ efficiency and performance are improving, indirect carbon emissions from air conditioning and other cooling systems are rising quickly. These emissions have almost tripled since 1990, reaching over 1 billion tons of CO2 in 2022, a 2% increase from the previous year.

Our current way of cooling indoor environments is causing temperatures to rise even further. In cities, this effect is even more pronounced. Lack of green spaces, building density and an abundance of concrete, in combination with heat waste from transport, industrial processes and air conditioning, is causing cities globally to heat up twice as fast as the global average rate. This phenomenon is known as the urban heat island effect. 

Sustainable Alternatives

More sustainable cooling alternatives are already available, but to lower the need for air conditioning, a more holistic approach to cooling is needed. 

In cities with warm climates such as Dubai, district cooling is a proven sustainable alternative to keep temperatures down, requiring only half the amount of energy compared to air conditioners. Chilled water is pushed through insulated pipes from a central cooling plant to buildings. The water is then distributed to air-handling units, which cool the building down. After the water absorbs the heat, it flows back to the central cooling plant to be cooled and used again. 

In Europe, an increasing number of cities are looking at district cooling to keep temperatures down while keeping emissions low. Paris has one of Europe’s largest district cooling systems. Over 800 sites, including the Louvre, are kept cool with chilled water from the Seine. The city is planning to further expand the system, connecting hospitals, elderly homes, and daycares across the city.  

White Rooftops and Green Cities 

Nature-based solutions like creating green spaces like parks and urban forests, restoring wetlands, and implementing green infrastructure such as green roofs and walls can help bring temperatures down in overheated urban areas, and mitigate the overall cooling needs of their residents.

Passive cooling solutions such as shading, insulation, and increased natural ventilation can all help reduce indoor temperatures without air conditioning. Passive cooling could help reduce emissions by 1.3 billion tons by 2050, according to some estimates. 

Cool roofs are one of the simplest and most cost-effective passive cooling solutions. Community-led initiatives in four Indian cities showed that, compared to traditional roofs, cool roofs lower indoor temperatures by 2 to 5C. 

In South Korea’s capital Seoul, many streams running through the city offer cool escapes during the summer. An example is the city’s Cheonggyecheon stream, where temperatures are 3-6C cooler compared to other roads in the same area. This is the result of increasing the stream’s water flow, adding trees and plants, and removing a nearby expressway. The stream’s green transformation also boosted business growth and tourism.

In Medellín, Colombia, 30 green corridors offer cool passage for millions of people on a daily basis. The city’s green corridors program started in 2016, and reduced the city’s urban island effect by 2C in about three years. By 2044, the city expects a reduction of 4-5C. 

More on the topic: Silent Killer: How Cities Are Bracing For More Heat

Even with the implementation of passive cooling techniques and greener urban areas, air conditioners will remain an important cooling solution in the foreseeable future. Lowering the footprint of cooling equipment is therefore imperative.

Climate-friendly and more energy efficient refrigerants can replace harmful synthetic gases, and with the Kigali Amendment coming into force in 2019, the use of harmful HFCs in cooling equipment is gradually being phased out. Signatories of the amendment have committed to cut the use of HFCs by more than 80% over 30 years. It is estimated this could prevent a 0.5C increase in global temperatures over this century. 

What Can I Do?

Conscious consumer habits can also make a difference in tempering energy consumption when temperatures are rising. Setting the air conditioner on to 26C instead 24C, for example, consumes some 30% less energy.

A smart thermostat can also be used to automatically adjust temperatures when you are not home, preventing wasted cooling. Regularly cleaning or replacing the air filter to ensure the unit runs efficiently and does not have to work harder than necessary, as well as opting for models with a high Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio (SEER) rating – designed to use less energy – are other ways to lower our footprint. 

In this respect, governments should do more to help consumers buy the most energy efficient cooling equipment. According to IEA, worldwide consumers tend to purchase air conditioners with only half the efficiency compared to the best performing unit available in stores. In the European Union and the US, the implementation of energy performance standards and energy efficiency labels have helped reduce the energy consumption of air conditioners by 50%.

From identifying what is and what is not compostable to picking the right storage method, here’s a handy composting guide for those without access to a garden.

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It can feel overwhelming trying to minimize our impact on the planet. According to the US Environmental Protection Agency, the average American generates 4.9 pounds of waste per day. In the US, between 30% and 40% of the food supply is wasted. 

One of the most environmentally friendly methods for dealing with personal food waste is composting, a medium- to large-scale process that involves outdoor space, large wooden composting structures, and regular tending. A large number of Americans live in apartments or similarly restrictive living situations, without options or access to the required tools. Here are some methods and solutions for composting without a traditional composting set-up. 

What Is Compostable? 

What is and is not compostable can vary depending on what you intend to do with the scraps. If using a compost pickup or drop-off service, there may be specific guidelines for what can be composted. 

Compostable materials include fruits, vegetables, leaves, coffee grounds, tea leaves, houseplants, and some varieties of paper. But if you are composting with a service provider or a commercial composting company, there may be opportunities to also compost things like meats, oil, cotton, and egg cartons. 

BPI-certified compostable materials like cutlery, coffee cups, and some types of packaging can also be composted commercially. It is essential to check with your composting service to verify what is accepted and what is not.  

How to Store It? 

One of the most significant concerns when collecting scraps is smell. Collecting scraps in a smaller space without the freedom to toss them in the backyard before it begins to smell requires some planning. 

One solution to this is a countertop electric composter. Countertop composters are designed to process food waste into a dry, less odorous material. While the material produced generally cannot be considered “compost” itself, the ground-up food scraps can be added to any compost to infuse nutrients. 

A more straightforward way of storing scraps is a compost container, typically kept on the counter or even under the sink if you want to keep it out of sight. An ideal storage container comes with a tight, well sealed lid to keep the odours away. Many compost containers contain charcoal filters that absorb and eliminate the odours from your fresh produce and other compostable materials. 

The most cost-effective method to keep your scraps without having to battle the horrible smells and potential for flies is freezing your compostable scraps until you are ready to take them to a drop site, local farm, or neighbor’s backyard composting set-up. Freezing food waste slows the breakdown of organic materials, making it a quick and accessible option for anyone looking to begin diverting food waste immediately. 

How to Dispose of It? 

Local Resources 

Many cities offer composting services in partnership with local non-profits, providing compost collection in a similar way that trash collection works. Programs that take your food scraps typically work with local farms where the food waste is used as nutrients for crops, contributing to local farming and food resources, which benefit both the environment and local communities. 

Backyards and Farms

There are many online resources and even apps meant to connect you with people in your area looking for food scraps, prepared and happy to accept yours. Check online for Facebook groups dedicated to where to divert food waste in your area to ensure scraps are used efficiently instead of ending up in landfill.   

More than half of methane emissions from landfills come from food scraps. Composting helps by recycling organic matter and reduces methane emissions. According to the EPA, composting efforts also create green jobs and extend the life of municipal landfills by diverting organic materials.  

Retrofitting refers to the process of upgrading and improving existing buildings to enhance their energy efficiency. Globally, our buildings are responsible for a substantial share of greenhouse gas emissions. By removing barriers to retrofitting, we can make significant progress in reducing emissions and meeting climate targets.

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When we think about carbon emissions, the spaces we live, shop, eat and socialize in often do not come to mind, but they should. Buildings are responsible for 39% of global energy-related greenhouse gas emissions, according to the World Green Building Council.

The built environment refers to any building or infrastructure that enables modern human life. These constructions are often leaky and unable to effectively retain heat in the winter and naturally cool down in summer, forcing us to consume more energy to do so.

Why Retrofit?

According to the World Economic Forum, 80% of all housing stock that we will live in by 2050 has already been built. Rather than demolishing and replacing homes, retrofitting is the most sustainable way to reduce their greenhouse gas emissions.

Demolishing a building emits an average of 4.67 kilograms of carbon dioxide equivalent (CO2e) per square metre of a building area on average. The equivalent amount of carbon released for every 100 square metres demolished is the same as taking a round trip from London Heathrow to Nice, proof that it is more sustainable to adapt what we have than to knock down and start over.

What Is Retrofitting?

Retrofit refers to any upgrade on an existing building to improve its energy consumption and energy efficiency.

Retrofit measures can be broken down into three tiers.

Tier 1: Energy Conservation

The first tier focuses on reducing the amount of energy needed in the building. Measures include the installation of LED lightbulbs and draught excluders, proper maintenance of temperature systems, and using a smart meter to check energy consumption. As a first step of retrofitting, these actions can help save money and reduce energy consumption.

Tier 2: Energy Efficiency

While Tier 1 involves smaller interventions, Tier 2 requires structural upgrades to the fabric of the building. These are aimed at reducing heat loss, improving insulation and the building’s ability to cool down. These upgrades typically need upfront investment but offer long-term energy and financial savings.  Measures include loft insulation, cavity wall insulations, installing heat pumps and secondary glazing.

Tier 3: Energy Source and Management

The third tier focuses on energy source and wider energy management. This may include powering buildings with lower carbon sources, implementing a district heating and cooling system, and using software to manage energy demand for the building. Building management software can reduce energy demands of a building. It does so by regulating lighting, ventilation, heating and air conditioning. 

‘Economic Necessity’

The need for retrofit presents a significant challenge. 

Europe has the oldest housing stock in the world. A report by BRE found that a fifth (22.3%) of Europe’s housing stock was built before 1946 – this figure rises to 37.8% in the UK.

However, as stated by the World Economic Forum, retrofitting is not just a sustainability measure; it is an economic necessity. Retrofitting has the potential to reduce global energy demand by 12%. Whilst creating 3.2 million new jobs per year and improving employee productivity by up to US$7,500 per person per year.

Retrofitting can also lead to health benefits such as reduced pollutant-related mortality, heat-related mortality and circulatory diseases.

Barriers

Substantial barriers to retrofit have hindered progress. 

At a country level, these come in the form of insufficient policies and retrofit-aligned ambitions. Barriers for individual homeowners and tenants include high upfront costs, longer-term payback mechanisms, and a lack of affordable options.

There is also the wider issue of lack of skilled labour. Low-carbon construction materials, for example, are neither accessible nor cheap. Finally, many are unaware of the benefits of retrofitting to their finances and health. 

Retrofit Policy and Initiatives

In Asia, the challenge of retrofitting buildings has been recognized in several initiatives, such as in Malaysia’s National Energy Transition Roadmap (2023) and Singapore’s Green Mark Incentive Scheme for Existing Buildings 2.0 (2022). Meanwhile, Beijing implemented the Incentive Fund for Green Building Development in 2023, which looks at improving the energy conservation of both public and private buildings.     

75% of EU buildings have poor energy performance. The EU’s Revised Energy Performance of Buildings Directive (2024) aims to change this through increasing renovation of the worst-performing buildings in each country.  Implementation of this directive in 2026 into national law is estimated to reduce energy consumption by 11.7% across the bloc, while lowering energy bills and enabling healthier living conditions.         

Canada announced a CA$2 billion investment in large-scale building retrofits in 2020. This was supported by a Building Retrofit Initiative funded by the Canada Infrastructure Bank. In 2023, Colombia published its National Roadmap for Net Zero Carbon Buildings. This includes a goal for widespread use of energy audits by 2040 to lead a retrofit process.     

These global initiatives show how countries can tailor retrofit strategies to their own context.

Leading By Example

Currently, not a single country globally is meeting the retrofit rate of 2.5% of buildings each year to reach net zero by 2030.

In 2022, the Superbonus 110% scheme promoted by the Italian government offered tax credits of up to 110% on the cost of retrofitting and earthquake proofing of homes, making retrofit projects financially viable for many. The scheme saw over 122,000 applications approved and 21 billion euro spent as well as 410,000 new jobs in the construction industry.

In 2025, Tampines in Singapore became the first town centre to be retrofitted with a sustainable distributed district cooling system. Here, a closed system allows for cool water to be shared with individual buildings from a central plant via a network of pipes. Once the water is used, it is returned and chilled, before being redistributed.

These systems are often more energy efficient than individual building heating and cooling systems, more cost effective, and have other benefits such as improved air quality. Carbon emissions in Tampines are expected to be reduced by 1,000 tonnes as a result – the equivalent of taking 910 cars off the road. The energy savings are expected to equate to enough power supply for 710 flats a year.

Conclusion

The roadmap for retrofit is not without bumps. However, global interest has been building over the last five years. The greenhouse gas emissions from the built environment make it a sector that urgently needs to be addressed. 

As the global population rises, we will need to build more homes and buildings to support our lives. Retrofitting will help countries reduce emissions and provide improved living standards for citizens. It is more than an energy solution, it is a climate, economic, and public health imperative.

In Earth.Org’s best climate change books to read this year, we see a world that is ambitious about humanity’s prospects but humble about our place in nature. Extremely hopeful for our future, while realistic about what we might have to endure.

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Books are some of the best tools to unpack this difficult information and make climate science accessible to all. They offer a platform for experts to share their knowledge, enabling readers to develop a well-rounded understanding of the current state of the environment and the urgent need for collective action.

It is precisely for this reason that Earth.Org recently revamped and significantly expanded its book reviews to include literary genres like climate fiction and poetry. From award-winning writers, world-leading climate scientists, and thought leaders paving the way toward humanity’s brighter future, here is our list of the best books on climate change to read this year. 

Best Climate Change Books To Read in 2025

1. The Joyful Environmentalist, by Isabel Losada (2025)

A thought-provoking and inspiring book, The Joyful Environmentalist ((Revised and Updated 2nd Edition) chronicles the author’s personal journey towards becoming a more environmentally conscious individual. Through a series of engaging anecdotes, Losada explores various aspects of sustainability, climate change, and environmental activism with a refreshing and optimistic perspective. She delves into practical solutions, innovative ideas, and the power of individual actions in creating a more sustainable world.

The book not only educates readers on pressing environmental issues but also encourages them to embrace a more joyful and positive approach to environmentalism. The Joyful Environmentalist is a compelling read that empowers readers to make a difference and find hope in the face of global environmental challenges.

Read our review of The Joyful Environmentalist.

2. Birch and Jay, by Allister Thompson (2025)

Birch and Jay is a captivating novel that follows the intertwined lives of two protagonists, Birch and Jay, as they navigate through the complexities of love, loss, and self-discovery in a small rural town. The story delves into their deep-rooted connection, their individual struggles, and the profound impact they have on each other’s lives. Set against the backdrop of nature and human emotions, the novel explores themes of resilience, friendship, and the enduring power of human connection.

Thompson’s lyrical prose and intricate character development make the book a compelling read that resonates with readers long after they have turned the final page.

Read our review of Birch and Jay.

3. Defying Futility, by Jan Lee and Steve Willis (2025)

At first glance, this intriguing collection appears to have more in common with mainstream historical fiction than with climate science. But these stories, grounded in historical reality, hold deeper environmental lessons. Each of the sixteen episodes in Defying Futility is a “counterfactual” or “alternate history” view of a real-life disaster, reimagined as if it had been averted or the impact reduced. From this basis, the authors – Jan Lee and Steve Willis – draw lessons to help us understand how to tackle today’s looming climate crisis. They pose questions about the role of the individual, offer advice about working within complex systems, and explore how individual decisions can create global consequences.

From the sinking of the Titanic in the North Atlantic to the collapse of a coal mine in South Africa, from the explosion of the Challenger space shuttle to the eruption of Mount Merapi in Indonesia, the book showcases a diverse range of unheard voices. It aims not only to inspire but to catalyze action that will help us address the biggest disaster of them all.

4. Drawdown: The Most Comprehensive Plan Ever Proposed to Reverse Global Warming, by Paul Hawken (2017)

Drawdown gathers the 100 most effective solutions to halt global warming from leading scientists and policymakers, which if adopted, could even reduce the overall greenhouse gasses currently present in the atmosphere . Already firmly anchored in the New York Times bestseller list, Hawken ranks optimal solutions – like moderating the use of air-conditioners and refrigerators, or adopting a plant-rich diet – by the amount of potential greenhouse gases they can avoid or remove.

5. Landing the Paris Agreement: How It Happened, Why It Matters, and What Comes Next, by Todd Stern (2024)

Landing the Paris Agreement is a timely and insightful book that delves into the intricate negotiations and events surrounding the historic Paris Agreement on climate change. Storn, the former US Special Envoy for Climate Change, provides a detailed account of the key players, political dynamics, and challenges that shaped the agreement, offering a behind-the-scenes look at the intense efforts to secure a global consensus on climate action.

Through compelling narrative and analysis, the book highlights the significance of the Paris Agreement as a pivotal moment in international efforts to combat climate change and emphasizes the importance of collective action in addressing this urgent global issue.

Landing the Paris Agreement is a must-read for anyone interested in understanding the complexities of international climate diplomacy and the ongoing quest for a sustainable future.

Read our review of Landing the Paris Agreement.

6. Supercharge Me: Net Zero Faster, by Eric Lonergan and Corinne Sawers (2022)

Supercharge Me takes a look at how governments, businesses and individuals behave and discuss what has (and hasn’t) worked so far in transitioning the global economy to net zero. Fund manager Eric Lonergan and sustainability adviser Corinne Sawers introduce practical ideas for change that will embolden people to reframe the climate crisis as an opportunity and suggest augmenting traditional economic solutions, such as carbon pricing, with EPICs: extreme, positive incentives for change that “supercharge” behavioural change.

6. Old-Growth Forest Walks, by Michael Henry (2024)

In times of turmoil, the long view offers great comfort. Whether we examine ancient structures and ecosystems or simply observe the torpid progression of geological time, we know that this era, too, shall pass. A visit to an old-growth forest demonstrates this phenomenon by offering solace and wonder to the traveller who makes the effort to make the voyage.

In Old-Growth Forest Walks: 26 Hikes in Ontario’s Greenbelt, photographer Michael Henry provides a mixture of stunning visuals, intriguing lessons in biology, and historical musings.

Read our review of Old-Growth Forest Walks.

8. The Climate Book, by Greta Thunberg (2022)

The Climate Book by Greta Thunberg – the world-famous Swedish climate activist and founder of the global movement Fridays for Future – features essays of over one hundred thinkers and experts, from oceanographers and meteorologists to economists and geophysicists, to raise awareness about the climate crisis and equip us with the knowledge to fight climate disasters and halt global warming. Thunberg also shares her own stories of demonstrating and uncovering greenwashing around the world, revealing how much we have been kept in the dark. 

9. Post Growth: Life After Capitalism, by Tim Jackson (2021)

For the economics-inclined, Post Growth is among the most accessible and inspiring technical environmental books published in recent years. Professor Tim Jackson, a highly influential ecological economist, first gained fame for his 2009 book, Prosperity Without Growth, a highly researched deep dive into the economics and models that can bring us into a more sustainable and prosperous future.

Jackson’s 2021 foray is a romantic, passionate and highly readable book that illuminates what a future after capitalism, competition and egregious self-interest really looks like, largely doing away with much of the jargon and economics’ parlance used in Prosperity. Grounded in a deep understanding of ecological economics, Post Growth presents one of the most compelling arguments yet that the economy is not at all separate from the natural world, but an intrinsically embedded subsidiary of it. Under this worldview, it becomes clear that constant economic growth is simply untenable.

Whether or not you agree with Jackson’s more fundamental assertions on the nature of capitalism and its role in a prosperous society, this is a book that sheds light on a version of the future where having outright winners does not necessarily translate to having outright losers, where prosperity is not only linked to material wealth but to wellbeing, health and safety for all members of society. Post Growth does not necessarily offer the solutions and technical means that Prosperity does, but it does provide a way of thinking about the future that is hopeful, bright and entirely achievable. 

10. Under A White Sky, by Elizabeth Kolbert (2021)

For the more scientifically and solutions-inclined, this is the book pick for you. On a world-hopping adventure from one solution to the next, journalist and author Elizabeth Kolbert guides readers through the sheer madness of ‘fixes’ that humans have attempted to dominate the natural world. The bottom line is this: we like to think of ourselves as ingenious problem solvers, and we certainly can be, but more often than not, our actions have unforeseen and reverberating effects on ecosystems and human populations.

Under A White Sky immensely readable, vividly describing everything from the flooding marshlands of Louisiana to the mind-bogglingly exciting developments in genetic engineering. In each new location, Kolbert dives into the latest technological fix that is being attempted, often to cover up the unintended consequences of the last techno-fix humans tried out. This is a hugely entertaining book that accurately describes some of the most cutting-edge and complex solutions to the environmental crisis that humans have come up with. But it is also a cautionary tale that puts into perspective just how far we’ve gone, and what that has already done to the world.

11. The Big Fix: 7 Practical Steps to Save Our Planet, by Hal Harvey an Justin Gillis (2022)

While being a conscious and greener consumer helps, this won’t be enough to bring our greenhouse gas emissions to zero and save our planet. As energy policy advisor Hal Harvey and longtime New York Times reporter Justin Gillis argue in their book The Big Fix: 7 Practical Steps to Save Our Planet, citizens must push for policies that can make a big difference in seven main areas: electricity production, transportation, buildings, industry, urbanisation, use of land, and investment in promising new green technologies.

12. The Uninhabitable Earth, by David Wallace-Wells (2019)

If you need to quickly get up to speed with the sheer scale of the climate emergency, journalist David Wallace-Wells’s succinct but brutal portrait of our future lives on earth may be for you. In 200 pages, it unpacks the different dimensions of our forecast future, from heat death to unbreathable air. As Wallace-Wells puts it in the book’s first line, “it is worse, much worse, than you think.” Even for those who feel they are well-versed on the issue, the endless stream of disasters that have or could be caused by global warming effectively shakes the reader out of any complacency. 

While the book does not offer solutions, it does make it clear that we already have all the tools we need to avoid the worst effects. But ultimately The Uninhabitable Earth seeks to make clear the horror of the emergency of the consequences before us. Unless we accept the urgency, how can we expect to get ourselves out of this mess?

13. Nursery Earth: The Wondrous Lives of Baby Animals and the Extraordinary Ways They Shape Our World, by Danna Staaf (2023)

Nursery Earth is a captivating novel that immerses readers in a world where Earth itself is portrayed as a nurturing and sentient entity. The story follows a diverse cast of characters who embark on a journey to protect and preserve the planet from imminent environmental threats and destruction. Through vivid storytelling and rich world-building, Staaf weaves together themes of interconnectedness, stewardship, and the resilience of nature. As the characters navigate through challenges and conflicts, they discover the profound beauty and fragility of the Earth, ultimately leading them to reevaluate their relationship with the natural world.

Nursery Earth serves as a poignant reminder of the importance of conservation and the need for collective action to safeguard our planet for future generations. This book is a compelling read that inspires readers to reflect on their role in preserving the Earth’s precious ecosystems.

Read our review of Nursery Earth.

14. The Sixth Extinction: An Unnatural History, by Elizabeth Kolbert (2014)

By 2050, the climate crisis will have driven the extinction of up to half the world’s species, according to this book that is written on the frontlines of environmental breakdown. We are in the midst of a sixth mass extinction event, which is set to be the fastest such event on record.

Kolbert outlines how humans have driven the extinction of biodiversity, or to the brink of extinction, from the Panamanian golden frog nearly completely wiped out in the wild by a fungal disease to the Maui, which is in peril due to deforestation. We are driving these species to extinction in many ways: some connected to the climate crisis through rising sea levels rising and deforestation, as well as by spreading disease-carrying species and poaching. By fundamentally altering earth’s delicately balanced ecosystems, we are risking our own future too. 

15. Net Zero: How We Stop Causing Climate Change, by Dieter Helm (2020)

Another entry by Helm, Net Zero addresses the action we all need to take, whether personal, local, national or global, if we really want to stop climate change.

This book is a measured, balanced view of how we stop causing climate change by adopting a net zero strategy of reducing carbon emissions and increasing carbon absorption. It is a rational look at why the past 30 years’ efforts have failed and why and how the next 30 years can succeed. Like the other books on this list, it is a vital read for anyone who hears ecological activists fighting against climate change, but wonders what they can actually do.

16. Our Final Warning: Six Degrees of Climate Emergency, by Mark Lynas (2020)

This book delivers an account of the future of our earth, and our civilisation, if current rates of global warming persist. But how much worse could it get? Are we already past the point of no return? Cataloguing the very latest climate science, Lynas explores the course we have set for Earth over the next century and beyond. Degree by degree, he charts the likely impacts of global heating and the consequent climate catastrophe.  

At one degree – the world we are already living in – vast wildfires scorch California and Australia, while monster hurricanes devastate coastal cities. At two degrees the Arctic ice cap melts away, and coral reefs disappear from the tropics. At three, the world begins to run out of food, threatening millions with starvation. At four, large areas of the globe are too hot for human habitation, erasing entire nations and turning billions into climate refugees. At five, the planet is warmer than for 55 million years, while at six degrees a mass extinction of unparalleled proportions sweeps the planet, threatening to end all life on Earth. 

These escalating consequences can still be avoided, but time is running out. We must stop burning fossil fuels within a decade. If we fail, then we risk crossing tipping points that could push global climate chaos out of humanity’s control. 

17. The New Climate War, by Michael Mann (2021)

Michael Mann is arguably one of the closest things we have to a climate superhero. His story is certainly reminiscent of some cinematic superhero adventures. After hitting the climate science stage hard in 1999 when co-authoring the now-famous ‘hockey stick graph’ that demonstrates how human activity has contributed to average temperature rise, Michael Mann was lambasted, criticised and dismissed by a system perpetrated by our story’s villains, principally the fossil fuel industry and other actors with vested interests But our hero did not back down, and continued to push for the emerging field of climate science to be recognised.

In The New Climate War, Mann explains how the fossil fuel industry has adjusted its tactics, from outright climate denialism to obstruction and shifting the burden of responsibility to individuals, thereby delaying necessary action to push through systemic changes. The book is a fascinating untangling of the intricate web of misinformation, misdirection and deflection perpetuated by the fossil fuel industry since climate change became an incontrovertible reality. Cautiously optimistic, Mann argues that the fundamental challenges we still face today are not tied to a technological or intellectual inability to achieve systemic change, but in the lack of political will required to do so.

18. On Fire: The (Burning) Case for a Green New Deal, by Naomi Klein (2019)

This book gathers more than a decade of Klein’s writing, pairing it with new material on the staggeringly high stakes of our immediate political and economic choices.

These long-form essays investigate the climate crisis not only as a political challenge but as a spiritual and imaginative one as well. With reports spanning from the ghostly Great Barrier Reef, the annual smoke-choked skies of the Pacific Northwest, post-hurricane Puerto Rico, to a Vatican attempting an unprecedented “ecological conversion,” Klein makes the case that we will rise to the existential challenge of climate change only if we are willing to transform the systems that produced this crisis.

An expansive, far-ranging exploration that sees the battle for a greener world as indistinguishable from the fight for our lives, On Fire captures the burning urgency of the climate crisis, as well as the fiery energy of a rising political movement demanding a catalytic Green New Deal.

19. Climate Crisis and the Global Green New Deal: The Political Economy of Saving the Planet, by Noam Chomsky & Robert Pollin (2020)

Noam Chomsky, the world’s leading public intellectual, and Robert Pollin, a renowned progressive economist, map out the catastrophic consequences of unchecked climate change and present a realistic blueprint for change: the Green New Deal.

Chomsky and Pollin show the forecasts for a hotter planet: vast stretches of the Earth will become uninhabitable, plagued by extreme weather, drought, rising seas, and crop failure. Arguing against the fear of economic disaster and unemployment arising from the transition to a green economy, they show how this unfounded concern encourages climate denialism.

The authors show how ceasing to burn fossil fuels within the next 30 years is entirely feasible. Climate change is an emergency that cannot be ignored. This book shows how it can be overcome both politically and economically.

20. All We Can Save: Truth, Courage, and Solutions for the Climate Crisis, edited by Ayana Johnson and Katharine K. Wilkinson (2020)

This book is a collection of essays and poetry by 60 leading women climate activists. It shows the power that women have in creating the solutions that we need to mitigate the climate crisis. 

You might also like: 5 Great Climate Change Fiction Novels

The Right to Repair movement seeks to empower consumers to make sustainable choices when it comes to broken or spent goods and to define consumers and businesses’ future relationship with technology manufacturers. Earth.Org looks at the origins of the movement, its impact, and how you can get involved.

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By Virginia McAll

Repairing broken technology is not always straightforward. Increasingly, manufacturers have been purposefully designing products with short life spans, making repairs more challenging due to a lack of guidance and spare parts to perform repairs. The “right to repair” movement aims to change this by encouraging manufacturers to create products that are easier  to repair. This can be done by extending a product’s life cycle and removing software barriers that hinder third-party and self-repairs. 

The movement draws attention to the impact of electronic waste, or e-waste, on the planet by promoting consumers’ right to prolong a product’s lifecycle through repairs. It has attracted a diverse range of supporters, including tech activists, independent repair businesses and grassroots organizations.

The debate extends across multiple facets of technology, inclusive of home appliances, devices, medical equipment, and vehicles. With digitization driving the demand for devices, the production process consumes raw materials. For instance, smartphones consist of over 70 components utilizing more than 60 different metals. 

As digitalization grows, so does e-waste. In 2022 alone, 14 metric tons (Mt) of e-waste were disposed of. 18 Mt were handled in low-income countries with insufficient management infrastructure; while global rates of recycling sat at 22.3%. By 2030, e-waste is projected to grow to 74.7 Mt.

Innovation is making infrastructure and products more durable and repairable but we also need to defend our rights to uphold these measures. And thanks to this growing movement, calls for greater legislation to defend consumers’ right to repair are finally bearing fruit.

More on the topic: New York Passes First Right to Repair Law for Electronics in the US

What Can You Do About It? 

1. Find out what is happening in your country

Changes to legislation are brewing across the globe, so check out what is happening where you are, to keep ahead of changes coming your way.

In the European Union, for example, the Directive on common rules promoting the repair of goods aims to reduce waste by making it “easier and more cost-effective for consumers to repair as opposed to replace goods.” 

The directive, adopted in 2023 as part of the bloc’s Circular Economy Action Plan, establishes several key provisions aimed at enhancing consumer rights and promoting sustainability, including granting consumers the right to claim repair from producers for technically repairable products like washing machines and TVs. Producers must also inform consumers about products they must repair themselves. An online matchmaking repair platform will connect consumers with repairers and sellers of refurbished goods, facilitating easy access to repair services and sustainable options. Additionally, the directive introduces a European Repair Information Form for transparent repair conditions and pricing, and a European quality standard for repair services to help consumers identify high-quality repairers committed to minimum standards across EU countries.

In 2021, the UK Government introduced the Ecodesign for Energy-Related Products and Energy Information Regulations, commonly referred to as Right to Repair regulations. The rules aim to extend the life of products, predominantly household appliances, and reduce e-waste by legally requiring manufacturers and importers to make spare parts for their products available to professional repairers and consumers.

2. Take action

If you do not feel like what is happening is enough, or you want to challenge a decision, you are probably not alone. Many campaigners are acting to advocate for consumer voices to be heard. 

iFixit, a repair platform offering step-by-step guides to keep consumers informed and quality parts and tools to help you do your own repairs, is a huge advocate for the right to repair and has a wide online community of repairers. 

You can also check out what is happening in your specific country:

• If you are in the US, find your state’s page on repair.org.
• If you are in Canada, see Can Repair. 
• If you are in Australia, check out the Australian Repair Network
• If you are in the EU, check Repair.eu

3. Choose second-hand

One of the least impactful and most sustainable choices you can make for the environment is to first check out second-hand markets when picking up new gadgets, using up what already exists. Shopping preloved electronics will not only be good for your bank account but it will also help reduce e-waste, which is detrimental to the environment.

If you are in the market for something new, tech innovators are working to produce easily repairable, modular devices. For instance, Framework, a consumer electronics provider, incorporates modularity in its designs and provides educational resources to upskill people to perform repairs. The company incorporates post-consumer recycled plastics and metals and selected materials that have robust recycling supply chains available at end-of-life. They acknowledge further improvements can be made towards circularity, integrating life cycle analysis into their practices to identify improvements. Fairphone operates similarly, offering a range of phones, headphones, and spare parts you might need to keep your valuables updated and working smoothly.