Episode 2: What Can We Do?

LISTEN TO EPISODE 2 HERE

Following on from episode 1 where we answered the question, what is climate change, episode 2 looks at the solutions to climate change and what we, as individuals can do. It is important that people are aware of the impact they can have towards climate change. There are many ways in which we can contribute by the choices we make. Transport is just one of the big ones. Choosing transport options that have less carbon emissions can have a big impact on the environment. Even thinking more deeply about your lifestyle in terms of fashion can help towards climate change. In episode 2, disposable fashion was discussed. People don’t often think about what they buy and what impact this will have on the environment at a later stage. An event that was covered in this episode, was the clothes swap that took place at the University of Sunderland. This helps, and hopefully educates people on the importance of clothes swapping, donations and other such things and the impact it has on the environment. By doing little things like this, it becomes more sustainable as unwanted materials aren’t constantly going back into landfill. Although each individual person can have an impact on climate change, it is important that we fight for big companies and governments to play their part too.

As heard in episode 2 of the Gen C podcast, young people have strong opinions on what changes can be made towards climate change. So here are a few key takeaways:

1. It is far too easy to get caught up in fast fashion. People, especially young people, are buying new clothes because of seeing things on social media and therefore growing to that attraction.
2. It is more sustainable to get things locally from things like clothes swaps or charity shops, rather than driving to shops and buying new clothes elsewhere.
3. There are two main things we, as citizens can do towards a more sustainable lifestyle. Firstly, rethink the way you move around in terms of transport. Choose the more sustainable options. Secondly, think about the food you eat and consider the better choices you could be making in terms of that.
4. Climate change is not about the individual making sacrifices, it’s about making better choices.

To learn more about the impact you can have on changing the climate for the better, and to hear young people’s thoughts on this, make sure to listen to episode 2 of the Gen C podcast.

Episode 1: What Is Climate Change?

LISTEN TO EPISODE 1 HERE

The first episode of the Gen C podcast asked the question, what is climate change?

Climate change is the long-term shifts in temperatures and weather patterns caused by the burning of fossil fuels such as coal, oil and gas. Burning fossil fuels generates greenhouse gas emissions. As described in the episode, it’s like “adding more duvets to the planet, so less heat can escape and the world is getting warmer and warmer as a result”. Climate change is caused by the building up of those greenhouse gasses, the main ones being carbon dioxide and methane. Energy, industry, transport, agriculture and land use are some of the main sectors causing greenhouse gasses.

The aim of this podcast is to explore how young people think of climate change. It is evident that people notice it all around them, whether that’s in news or personal concerns that they have. As heard in episode 1, some people have real concerns for what climate change means for us and future generations.

Here are a couple key takeaways from the first episode of the Gen C podcast:

1. Although everyone is aware of what climate change is, not enough people are aware of what comes with it and what they can do about it. It is important that young people are educated to have a positive attitude towards climate change. There is always space for change.
2. Plastics do not cause global warming but they are litter and are a big contribution towards issues with wildlife. There are other alternatives to plastics, such as metal and wood.

To find out what climate change is and how young people feel about it in greater detail, make sure to listen to episode 1 of the Gen C podcast.