TEN STEPS YOU CAN TAKE TO HELP FIGHT CLIMATE CHANGE.

Last week's headlines surrounding the findings of the IPCC report on climate change were yet another wake up call.  According to scientists, the world is "completely off track" and society needs to change their habits fast. The importance of focusing on this subject now, rather than later, cannot be stressed enough. And so, we have put together a list of ten things you can do as an individual to help fight climate change.

1. Cut down on flying.

Planes are a huge polluter of the environment. Try opting out of flying if it's not essential, and pay a little extra to carbon offset your flight if it is.

2. Limit your meat consumption.

Believe it or not, eating meat is more harmful to the environment than flying in terms of global CO2 emissions. We're not telling you to go vegetarian, but just be mindful and purchase organic meat whenever possible. Also, make sure it hasn't been transported to your supermarket from the other side of the world.

3. Save electricity.

Obviously energy is a big topic and there are many things that can be done within this area, but for one, turn off the lights (and air-conditioning for you Non-Europeans) when you leave the room. And think about investing into renewable energy to power your home rather than using fossil fuels.

4. Don't shop 'til you drop.

The more you buy, the more you pollute. Be conscious about what you purchase - do you really need what you want? If so, try buying from local stores to support your region whilst keeping a low carbon footprint.

5. Reduce. Reuse. Recycle.

Alongside reducing the amount of stuff you buy, reuse it, and be sure to recycle your items - whether it's clothes or furniture.

6. Plant flowers, trees and other vegetation.

These living creatures help convert CO2 into fresh air.

7. Conserve water.

While conserving water will not fight climate change as such, it is directly linked to the cause. Only 1% of the world's water is freshwater and therefore a very precious resource, which is needed more and more as droughts and water shortages increase.

8. Change the way you commute.

Trade in your daily car ride to work for a carpool, the public transport system, or even better, a bike!

9. Quit plastic.

Keep an eye out of brands that use recycled paper or glass as product packaging and say no to plastic bags - especially when traveling abroad.

10. Spread the word.

The more you talk about it, the more your family and friends will listen and potentially change their habits with you.

We hope we've inspired you with some things to think about in regards to fighting climate change. No, you will not change the world on your own, but if you inspire others and those people then inspire the next generation to come, we can at least try to reverse the negative impacts to date.