There is plenty that you can do to help reduce the global and regional impacts of climate change, as well as the impacts on your own family and home life.


With just 100 companies producing over 70% of the world’s emissions, the greatest impact you can have is supporting renewable energy and sustainable practices.

Share your voice

  • Petition your local and federal government to aim for a target of 1.5°C warming, and focus on placing a higher price on carbon emissions. Write, email, phone or attend meetings or events where your local government officials can be contacted
  • Vote for candidates who are dedicated to reducing emissions and solving climate change
  • Join local action groups or events to share your voice
  • To contact your local Australian government representative, visit the Government directory page.

Switch to renewables

  • If you can afford it, switch your home over to solar power (and your workplace too!).  This is a big one. Most electricity in Australia requires the burning of fossil fuels like coal, whereas solar power creates zero emissions, so reducing all of your household energy to a renewable source will make an impact. There are currently a number of incentives for households and workplaces provided by the government and organisations like Planet Ark
  • If you are renting, or can’t afford to switch to solar just yet, ask your electricity provider about Green Energy. You can choose to switch all of your energy to be sourced only from renewable sources
  • Switch all lightbulbs to LED, as they use around 80% less energy
  • Purchase an electric or hybrid vehicle
  • Reduce your energy use by replacing everyday items with energy efficient options such as thermostats, surge protectors and air filters. Visit the links at the bottom of this page for more information

Change the way you travel

  • Carpool or catch more public transport
  • Ride a bike, or walk instead of commuting by car
  • Fly less, (or when you do fly, offset your carbon emissions)
  • Maintain your vehicle – keeping your tyres properly inflated and your car in good condition reduces the amount of petrol required to run it

Reduce waste

  • Reduce, reuse, recycle. Everyday rubbish ends up as landfill, which sends a concoction of methane and carbon dioxide into the atmosphere. Reducing your household waste will also help to reduce greenhouse gases.
  • Reduce your use of plastics and single use items such as bottled water, takeaway containers and plastic bags
  • Recycle items where possible, and find ways to reuse items around the home rather than throwing them in the bin to end up as landfill
  • Consider composting food waste, or giving your food waste to your local community gardens or growers via ShareWaste.
  • In Australia, home recycling bins are usually provided by the local council, and soft plastics can be recycled at local collection points including supermarkets as well. Click here to find out what you can and can’t recycle at home (QLD Government)

Change your eating habits

  • Eat less meat, particularly red meat. According to the Australian Government, livestock sector emissions account for around 10% of Australia’s greenhouse gas emissions. Additionally, raising livestock requires mass clearing of forests for grazing pastures
  • Buy from local sources, including organic farms and ethical suppliers. In Australia, all agriculture (including livestock) currently accounts for around 17% of emissions.
  • Reduce waste. Reuse/eat leftovers, freeze food or try composting
  • Grow your own – plant a veggie or herb garden at home

Plan ahead

  • Consider where you live and how your specific city or region may be affected over the next decade. For example, If you live near water it may be time to consider a long term plan to move further inland, or prepare for rising waters
  • If you live in a drought affected area, or an area prone to bush fires, put plans in place to protect your livelihood, home and family from long term impacts
  • Do your research and find out exactly how your home and neighbourhood might be affected
  • For more information, visit the Australian Government’s Climate Science Impacts page.

Invest or donate

  • Consider moving your money out of banks, superannuation funds and other institutions who support fossil fuels
  • Research local, national or global organisations who need funding for research, education, events and climate change projects
  • Invest in renewable energy projects
  • Read: Fossil fuels – where does your bank stand?

Educate others

  • Start discussions with family, friends, colleagues and students about the state of the planet, and what we can all do about it
  • One of the biggest barriers to action on climate change is that we, our media and our politicians don’t talk about it enough
  • Read: How to have a connected conversation about climate change

Get creative

  • Use your creativity and skills to innovate and help develop new ideas for the future
  • Share your stories and your feelings with others
  • Document the Earth’s beauty for future generations through art, photography, music and writing
  • There are a number of groups who are using art, comedy and other creative outlets to share feelings and ideas, including Plan It Change 10 and CLIMARTE.

Further Reading:


Five things we can do to combat climate change
Al Jazeera English



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