Governments are putting lots of effort into plans that will help nations and communities adapt to climate change. But there isn't a lot of talk about how individuals can adapt. We are a species like all the other wildlife on plant Earth, which also have to adapt as temperatures and habitats change. What should humans do? Here are some suggestions.
Buy less food.
I don't mean eat less (although that may be a good idea, too). Just buy only what you need. A recent study found that as much as one third of all the food produced in the world ends up getting lost or wasted. Food production is very energy intensive, relying mostly on polluting fossil fuels. Americans throw away as much as 40 percent of the food they buy, which turns into methane gas, a greenhouse gas more potent than carbon dioxide, when it degrades in landfills.
Personal gain: More money in your pocket. Food waste costs the average consumer $390 a year.
Eat better.
Humans evolved to eat meat, it's true. But many studies confirm that modern humans eat too much meat. The consequences include heart disease, cancer and shorter lifespans. A study by the Institution of Mechanical Engineers estimates it takes 50 times more water to produce a pound of meat than a pound of vegetables. One hectare of land can grow enough rice or potatoes for 22 people, or only enough lamb or beef for two people. Instead, eat other proteins, such as nuts, whole grains and fish, and more vegetables.
Personal gain: Better daily health, longer life.
Buy less food.
I don't mean eat less (although that may be a good idea, too). Just buy only what you need. A recent study found that as much as one third of all the food produced in the world ends up getting lost or wasted. Food production is very energy intensive, relying mostly on polluting fossil fuels. Americans throw away as much as 40 percent of the food they buy, which turns into methane gas, a greenhouse gas more potent than carbon dioxide, when it degrades in landfills.
Personal gain: More money in your pocket. Food waste costs the average consumer $390 a year.
Eat better.
Humans evolved to eat meat, it's true. But many studies confirm that modern humans eat too much meat. The consequences include heart disease, cancer and shorter lifespans. A study by the Institution of Mechanical Engineers estimates it takes 50 times more water to produce a pound of meat than a pound of vegetables. One hectare of land can grow enough rice or potatoes for 22 people, or only enough lamb or beef for two people. Instead, eat other proteins, such as nuts, whole grains and fish, and more vegetables.
Personal gain: Better daily health, longer life.
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