Solving global environmental challenges won't be easy, and it's going to take work on everyone's part to create momentum for meaningful and lasting change.
But the first step is just taking that first step, and having confidence that every action you take will make a real impact.
And you can be confident as a member of Team Earth.
Our Science Team looked for individual actions that:
- offered something for everyone
- are directly tied to affecting change
- can be measured in terms of the effect they have,
- and where there is enough information already out there for individuals to succeed.
We wanted to define meaningful, achievable everyday actions that allow each of us – a part of a greater whole – to make a dent in the big issues of the day.
Basically, since you're already "on" Team Earth, we wanted to be sure there was something YOU could do!
The Method Behind the ActionsEvery action Team Earth is asking you to take is supported by a string of carefully sourced (read: nit-picky), scientific (read: techy and overwhelmingly detailed), but absolutely essential calculations. For the Climate Challenge, our team of scientists from Conservation International and the Rocky Mountain Institute put their heads together to find out:
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The most recent data on global greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions,
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How much carbon dioxide the average American contributes to the atmosphere, and
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The breakdown of which factors (home energy use, deforestation, how much time you spend in your car) cause the most emissions.
And, like the good team members they are, they figured it out.
They then calculated about how much carbon dioxide small actions like changing one light bulb would prevent from entering the atmosphere. (But you'll have to read the individual pledge pages for the nitty-gritty details.)
So while it's true that you are only one person out of billions on this planet; our scientific data points out just how much of a difference you can make as you join hundreds, thousands, and hopefully, someday, millions of others in their commitment to make the world a better place.
Imagine how much this TEAM can do!
Take ActionLearn more about the science behind each action as well as get some tips on how to make your pledge successful: