{"id":18134,"date":"2019-09-06T09:00:42","date_gmt":"2019-09-06T14:00:42","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/greenheart.org\/blog\/uncategorized\/\/"},"modified":"2019-09-03T15:46:26","modified_gmt":"2019-09-03T20:46:26","slug":"the-environment-and-peace-4-ways-to-save-the-world","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/greenheart.org\/blog\/greenheart-international\/the-environment-and-peace-4-ways-to-save-the-world\/","title":{"rendered":"The Environment and Peace: 4 Ways to Save the World"},"content":{"rendered":"

By: Kiersten Nickel, Greenheart Exchange High School Programs Staff<\/p>\n

Have you ever thought about how our planet\u2019s health affects how we interact with one another? For this month\u2019s take on our theme, Standing with the Environment, we are diving into the relationship between our planet\u2019s health and how it can help or hinder our ability to promote and maintain peace.<\/p>\n

In 1981, the UN designated September 21st\u00a0as the International Day of Peace, \u201ccommemorating and strengthening the ideals of peace both within and among all nations and peoples.\u201d This year, moved by the effect the earth\u2019s climate is having on populations and resources, the UN has chosen to dedicate this Peace Day to\u00a0UN Sustainable Development Goal 13.<\/a>\u00a0This will work to emphasize the connection between climate change and global peace, citing that climate change has had a direct effect on international peace and security and its impact will only grow.<\/p>\n

“Natural disasters displace three times as many people as conflicts, forcing millions to leave their homes and seek safety elsewhere.”<\/p><\/blockquote>\n

As we continue to see climate change affect our natural resources, we will likely see increased armed conflict over access to resources and mass migration from areas heavily impacted.\u00a0According to the United Nations<\/a>, \u201cnatural disasters displace three times as many people as conflicts, forcing millions to leave their homes and seek safety elsewhere.\u201d The reality is that there isn\u2019t a facet of humanity that climate change doesn\u2019t affect and because of its immense impact on our communities, the effects of climate change will likely lead to increased conflict and tension in populations worldwide.<\/p>\n

So, what can we do?<\/strong><\/h3>\n

The good news is since this issue affects all of us, we can all be a part of the solution! Here are 4 tangible things you can do to help promote peace:<\/p>\n

\u00a01.Small actions matter!<\/h4>\n

Think about the things you consume and how doing so might affect others. Is the almond milk you’re drinking contributing to the water scarcity in California? Is the red meat you’re consuming contributing to deforestation in the Amazon and the forced migration of indigenous people in that part of the world? Ask yourself the challenging questions, and think: how can I begin to divest from these systems? Small actions can truly have a massive impact! Be conscientious of what you consume and how it affects the world around you. Try making small changes in your life like switching to oat milk or only eating red meat on special occasion. You\u2019d be surprised by how many little changes can help promote peace in our world.<\/p>\n

2. Donate, donate, donate!<\/h4>\n

Although donating money isn\u2019t always a realistic option or might not feel like the most interactive way to contribute to a cause, it is one of the most important ways to sustain the organizations doing the work on the ground. There are tons of great organizations working to preserve our resources and combating environmental injustice. Here are a few places you can donate:<\/p>\n