As heat waves, fires and other disasters intensify, people around the globe are increasingly worried about climate change. Yet taking action in our own lives can feel like a drop in the bucket.

It’s true that governments and companies hold the most power to shift our global climate trajectory. But even small changes in our daily lives help reduce planet-warming emissions — especially when many people make them. And these choices send critical signals that can help nudge our institutions in the right direction. 

We analyzed 19 pro-climate behaviors to pinpoint the most impactful things you can do to help move the needle.

At this week’s World Conservation Congress, major environmental organizations are working to bring more attention to nature crimes like illegal logging, fishing and wildlife trafficking. Nature crime is a pervasive problem that too often goes unchecked, threatening wildlife, communities and ecosystems. We outlined five ways the world can fight back this year and beyond. 

Native American children have higher rates of asthma, face longer routes to school and are more likely to ride the school bus than non-Native students — all concerns associated with riding diesel buses. In response, many Native Communities are turning to electric buses.

A new study shows that rising water temperatures are affecting the ocean’s carbon-storage capacity, with potentially dangerous implications for future temperature rise. But we’re also learning more about how the ocean can fight climate change if given the chance — like through kelp, a long-overlooked carbon storage powerhouse.

Some choices are far more impactful than others when it comes to fighting climate change; for example, living car-free reduces emissions 70 times more than composting. But the “right” choices will look different for everyone.