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Earth Day
Fighting the Effects of Climate Change
Climate change causes stressful conditions for coral, leaving it in an energy deficit and without color.
© WWF-Canon / Cat Holloway
WWF's Work and What You Can Do to Help
Climate change is among the most pervasive threats to the web of life, yet we have the power to address its root causes and limit its impact on the planet. Smart energy choices made by individuals and businesses can dramatically reduce CO2 emissions and slow global warming. Without action, climate change will cause the extinction of countless species and destroy some of the world's most precious ecosystems.
WWF is a leader in the field of climate science and a persuasive advocate for emissions reductions and increases in the use of renewable energy resources and energy efficient technologies. Partnering with innovators in business and industry, WWF is influencing behavior and changing attitudes - and already getting results.
What you can do
Choose clean energy. Where possible select a power plan that uses at least 50% clean energy. To see if it is available in your state, visit the Department of Energy. If not, Climate change with your utility bill. (Pounds of CO2 Savings Per Year = 7,000)
Drive a hybrid or fuel efficient car. Save the environment and money by driving a car that gets at least 32 MPG. (Pounds of CO2 Savings Per Year = 5,200)
Recycle. Recycling saves a lot of energy needed to make new products. Recycle 50% of your glass, aluminum, plastic, cardboard and newspapers. (Pounds of CO2 Savings Per Year = 2,400)
Adjust your thermostat. Turn it down 3 degrees in the winter and up 3 degrees in the summer. (Pounds of CO2 Savings Per Year = 1050)
Buy a programmable thermostat. Automatically lower your monthly energy bill by giving your heat and air conditioning a break while you are asleep or out. (Pounds of CO2 Savings Per Year = 1,050)
Replace a worn-out refrigerator with an Energy Star model. The US would 30 need less power plants if all Americans used the most efficient refrigerators. Visit EPA's Energy Star Website to see a list of energy efficient appliances. (Pounds of CO2 Savings Per Year = 1,000)
Turn your computer off overnight and put it into a power save mode. A standard monitor left on overnight uses enough energy to print 5,300 copies. (Pounds of CO2 Savings Per Year = 950)
Drive 15 miles less each week. Shrink your gas costs and your waistline by walking, biking and taking public transportation. (Pounds of CO2 Savings Per Year = 900)
Avoid idling. Give your engine and the climate a break by turning off your car when you aren't moving... except in traffic or at a stop light of course. Try to cut out 10 minutes of daily idling. (Pounds of CO2 Savings Per Year = 550)
Wash clothes in cold or warm water. Skip the hot water on 2 loads per week. You'll save energy and should have less wrinkled cloths. (Pounds of CO2 Savings Per Year = 500)
Use compact fluorescent bulbs. It's a bright idea to replace 3 incandescent bulbs with fluorescent bulbs that last up to 10 times as long and use 1/4 of the energy. (Pounds of CO2 Savings Per Year = 300)
Keep your tires filled. Your ride will be smoother and you'll save up to 5% on your fuel tab. (Pounds of CO2 Savings Per Year = 275)
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