We can’t continue thinking only about human survival, only thinking of humans first. When we start to recognize planet earth, animals, and plants as sentient beings and understand the impact of all living systems—we can transform the climate crisis. We need to transform ourselves first, and all living systems require the same care, attention, and kindness. The state of the environment accurately reflects the violence, injustice, disrespect, and harm we do to people of different cultures, beliefs, and to ourselves

To reduce greenhouse gas emissions we need to reduce and put into the atmosphere. Every day, we need to put an end to the emissions from agriculture, transport, food systems, deforestation, desertification, and ecosystem destruction. The implementation of renewable energy from wind, solar, and energy storage, and for people to push for solutions that embrace micro-mobility, carbon-positive buildings, walkable cities, carbon architecture, electrified buildings, minimized food waste.

Protect our soil and planet systems and defend the atmosphere. We need to keep it here on earth. Every year, some of these ecosystems are degraded, developed, converted, or lost. It is a relatively small percentage, but it adds up. When living systems break down or are destroyed, the plants and organisms below and above ground die, resulting in carbon dioxide emissions.

A natural carbon cycle has been functioning for hundreds of millions of years. Forests, plants, and phytoplankton absorb carbon dioxide and convert it to oxygen and carbohydrates. Human beings can sequester primarily through regenerative agriculture, managed grazing, reforestation, afforestation, degraded land restoration, replanting mangroves, bringing back wetlands, and protecting existing ecosystems. The oft-used term net-zero emissions is not the goal. The threshold is when the world begins to reduce atmospheric carbon levels back to pre-industrial levels.

Influence encompasses laws, regulations, subsidies, policies, and building codes. As each of us endeavors to examine and modify our impact, we gain insight into the cause of degenerative processes, products, and services. Influence can be exerted in the form of letters, emails, or messages to corporations and trade associations. It can mean speaking with or writing to city councils, provincial or state legislators, governors, presidents, and members of Congress or Parliament. It can take the form of boycotts and protests. Each of us has but one voice. When one voice becomes “we,” change happens.

In virtually every area of climate, social justice, and the environment, there are organizations that are highly competent at what they do, that are ahead of the curve and embody knowledge and networks that make them the most effective change agents. We all can be true regenerators, leaders and to be part of the extraordinary activities that are undertaking change. The lists are specific to each place, ecosystems, species, needs in your region but concern us all. Match the geographies and areas in which you want to help make change.