The Importance of Climate Action: From Individual Steps to Policy Change

Climate action is one of those topics that feels both urgent and complicated. We all know the climate crisis is getting worse, and we all know action is needed. But figuring out what that looks like - at the personal, community, and global levels - is a lot more layered than it seems.

Why Climate Action Can Feel Complicated

Climate action is complex. It’s not about trying to fix the entire problem on one’s own. No single person can do that, unless they have billions (or trillions!) of dollars to spare. Most of the meaningful steps we need to take involve government-level decisions, policy shifts, and major changes in how corporations - especially heavy emitters - operate. But that doesn’t mean individuals don’t matter. I think personal climate action is about two main things: doing what we can in our own lives to lessen our impact, and using our voices to push for the bigger systems-level changes that are possible.

A lot of the everyday actions people talk about - reducing flights, avoiding waste, using public transit - are real and impactful. I try to be mindful of my own choices, like flying less, boycotting brands that spread climate disinformation, or contacting my elected officials when something is concerning. These small steps won’t “solve” the climate crisis, but they absolutely set a tone. They show what people value. They also help build momentum toward broader climate literacy, which is needed before any major political shifts can happen.

The Challenge of Social Inequities in Climate Action

Before diving too much deeper into this topic,  I think it’s important to acknowledge something that doesn’t get said enough: many popular individual or household climate actions are simply not accessible or affordable for everyone.

The actions we take can vary a lot depending on our circumstances. Many climate-friendly choices have a cost or inconvenience attached, which highlights social inequities. Avoiding brands that harm the environment seems simple, but the alternatives are often more expensive. Switching to local or organic foods can be a privilege, and public transit, while effective at reducing carbon emissions, can be less convenient and slower than driving. Not everyone has the same access or flexibility, which makes climate action more complicated than it looks. So, while saying things like “just buy organic,” “install solar panels,” or “drive an EV” are good actions one can take, the reality is these are just simply not achievable for everyone. Climate action is tangled up in inequity, and anyone talking about solutions needs to recognize that.

Why Government and Corporate Action Matters

We all need to take action because we’ll all be affected. The truly large-scale actions - the ones that will shape our future - fall squarely on governments and major industries, like oil and gas . These big changes also need funding in the billions or even trillions of dollars, and most people aren’t in a position to fund these things. But those who are should be accountable.

In Canada, for example, we could start by phasing out fossil fuel subsidies. This has been debated for decades, and yet here we are, still publicly funding the industries most responsible for the crisis. There’s also huge potential in “green jobs,” something plenty of research supports. Global jobs in renewable energy reached 16.2 million in 2023, up from 13.7 million in 2022, showing rapid growth in green-energy employment.

We also can’t pendulum-swing into a single technology or approach, either. Putting all our eggs into the EV basket comes with its own problems. A balanced, diverse transition is far more sustainable.

Global Efforts Also Matter

The global stage isn’t much better. Conferences like COP30 aimed to include more Indigenous knowledge and create a roadmap to phase out fossil fuels. Unfortunately, many Indigenous voices were excluded from the discussions, and fossil fuel interests blocked the roadmap. Canada’s participation in that decision was disappointing (and honestly, embarrassing, but unsurprising), especially since the roadmap was a clear and actionable step we needed. We’ve been having these same conversations for decades without significant results.

The Power of Individual Actions

Still, there is immense power in everyday choices. Boycotting companies tied to climate disinformation or fossil fuels is a win because our spending power influences change; takes away the social licence they depend on. Reducing single-occupancy vehicle trips, avoiding food waste, and buying only what we need can have a significant impact. Project Drawdown even ranks reducing food waste as the number one individual climate action globally. Every small choice contributes to a larger collective impact.

We need a mix of actions in order to make a difference. Climate action is complex and linked across personal choices,  political pressure, and industry change. What matters most is that we try, that we stay aware, and that we push for a world that protects everyone, especially those most vulnerable. Every action, large or small, plays a part in shaping a better future.