Learn about the natural solutions we can use today that can help us fight climate change.
Bedford 2030’s exciting new action area focuses on ways to tap into existing ecosystems to increase carbon capture and storage, enhance biodiversity, and reduce greenhouse gas emissions. Preservation and restoration of our natural resources, shifting to more sustainable landscape management practices, and making more climate-friendly food choices can help us reach our ambitious climate goals.
Carbon capture is possible through natural resources already at our disposal. In addition to the critical work of reducing greenhouse gas emissions in our town, we also must consider the ways we can harness natural resources to capture carbon from the atmosphere and store it in our plants, trees, and soil. Better management of these resources can play a significant part in drawing down polluting greenhouse gas emissions naturally.
Your healthy yard creates a healthy environment that benefits the entire community. Your yard is part of a larger ecosystem that includes not only plants, but also water, soil, insects, birds, and humans. Natural, healthy yards are easier to care for, support biodiversity, and are more fun to enjoy. And when you or your landscape uses electric yard equipment, it reduces your carbon footprint, does not put harmful pollutants into the air we breathe, and is safer and cheaper to operate than gas-guzzling alternatives.
IMAGE COURTESY OF FELIX MITTERMEIER, PEXELS
One of the best ways we can combat climate change is to plant trees and keep them healthy. Trees and deep-rooted plants capture (sequester) carbon from the air during photosynthesis and can store it for long periods of time. A healthy yard is full of plants and trees that are native and supported by the natural environment, provide food and habitat for pollinators and wildlife, and do not require costly and polluting measures to allow them to thrive.
Making climate friendly food choices has a dramatic impact on our environment. Food – its production, transportation and the addition of food waste to landfills – is a major contributor to global warming. In fact, on a global scale, it is estimated that food production accounts for more than a third of greenhouse gas emissions. On a local level, each of us can make conscious choices about how we purchase, consume and dispose of food that can make a big difference in mitigating climate change.
Citizens science is a great way for everyday people to join scientists in studying climate change.Protecting local habitats, capturing changes in your environment via your smartphone, and playing games that teach you more about your local ecosystems all helps scientists discover important knowledge that may not have been found otherwise.