The Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) issued its March 2023 report and it is alarming. What is the IPCC? According to the IPCC’s Fact Sheet, “The Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) is the international body for assessing the science related to climate change. The IPCC was set up in 1988 by the World Meteorological Organization (WMO) and United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) to provide policymakers with regular assessments of the scientific basis of climate change, its impacts and future risks, and options for adaptation and mitigation.” It has 195 member countries and hundreds of scientists. The 2023 IPCC report warns that to limit warming to 1.5 degrees Celsius to avert the most severe consequences, we must immediately make deep cuts to greenhouse gas emissions across all sectors this decade, get to zero emissions by the early 2050s, and then begin to reduce existing greenhouse gases in the atmosphere. We have no more time to waste. The good news is we have solutions at hand and there is plenty each of us can do to make a difference.

There is a lot more one can do besides reducing your own greenhouse gas emissions, but that is a good place to start. Green your ride by bicycling, walking, carpooling, and making your next vehicle purchase an electric vehicle. Reduce emissions at home by insulating, changing lightbulbs to LEDs, and converting gas appliances to electric, like replacing your gas furnace with a heat pump and gas water heater with a heat pump water heater. Reduce meat in your diet, especially beef and lamb, move towards a plant-based diet, and tackle food waste at home. Plant some trees. For a free sapling or two visit the Rotary booth at the Spring Shindig Saturday, April 15th, 12:00-3:00 pm at the Alameda Point Gym and Field (1101 W. Red Line Ave.) For more ideas see the CASA climate protection and resource list here: https://casa-alameda.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/07/CASA-Climate-Protect....

Then you can go beyond reducing your own carbon footprint by sharing your experience with greenhouse gas reduction actions with others. Talk to your friends and neighbors. Point out the CASA Checklist and Resource List to them as well. Write a letter to the editor about one climate protection change you made, tips to implement, and the benefits received. Reach out to the Mayor and City Council to let them know taking action to protect the climate is important to you (you can get their contact information at https://www.alamedaca.gov/GOVERNMENT/Elected-Officials). There is a free iPhone app called Climate Action Now, for reaching out to State and Federal officials as well as Corporations to encourage them to take specific actions to protect the climate. I spend five minutes every morning sending out about 10 scripted emails. It is easy, effective, and fast to use. Campaign for, donate to, and vote for politicians who will act to protect the climate. Contribute to and/or volunteer with local non-profits that work to protect the climate like Bike Walk Alameda, Alameda Backyard Growers, and Community Action for a Sustainable Alameda. If you have a group interested in climate change, request a CASA presentation either in person or via zoom, by emailing info@casa-alameda.org.

Individuals can make a difference and it is going to take all of us working together, taking it to the next level, to meet this challenge and limit warming to 1.5 degrees Celsius. Let’s not wait. Act now!