Fortunately, there are lots of solutions and promising ideas in the fight against climate change. They include new kinds of transportation like electric cars and renewable energy. Renewable energy is energy that can't be used up, unlike oil and gas. It includes things like solar energy and wind power.

How we implement solutions can be as important as creating the solutions themselves. One way to decide what actions are useful is to consider the levers of action.

We’re going to look at three types of levers: business, government, and individual. All three need to work together to help us solve climate change.

Government levers

There are many ways that governments can help fight climate change. Internationally, governments can set climate action goals. The 2015 Paris Agreement is an example of this. Many of the world's countries agreed to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. Greenhouse gases, particularly carbon dioxide, are causing the global warming that drives climate change. They are released when carbon-based fuels are burned. Carbon-based fuels include things like oil, coal, and natural gas.

Within a single country, government policy can promote the development of climate solutions. We're going to need many breakthrough technologies to take on climate change. But sometimes, a new idea is so risky that private companies don't want to pursue it. They are afraid of losing money. This is where governments can step in. They can pay for these new technologies until they are profitable enough for private companies to take over.

Governments also play a key role in promoting emerging technologies. They can offer financial help to companies developing new technologies.

They can use their power as consumers. When governments decide to build only using green construction materials or to buy only clean energy vehicles, they help increase demand for these products. Often, they also lower prices.

Governments can also use their power of regulation. Many regulations ensure that companies and communities follow basic guidelines, like building codes and public transportation rules. Taken together, these regulations can help reduce greenhouse gas emissions. The government can also pass laws that require polluting companies to control their carbon emissions.

Business levers

Businesses produce and sell the goods and services we rely on every day. That makes them important levers in solving climate change. One of their biggest roles is researching and developing new products. Private businesses can often work faster than governments. They lead the way in creating new climate change solutions like low-carbon cement and advanced biofuels.

Businesses can also contribute by reducing their greenhouse gas emissions and transforming their energy use. Making things takes energy, and reducing the amount used or turning to renewable sources can make a big difference.

Companies can encourage people to buy low- or zero-carbon products or services. Consumers are more aware of their choices when buying a product. Many prefer options that are better for the environment. Companies manufacturing low-carbon products can label them as "climate-friendly." That makes it easier for consumers to choose greener options.

Individual levers

There are almost 8 billion people in the world today. Each of us has a carbon footprint, the total amount of greenhouse gas created by our actions. Reducing your emissions can make a difference. You can try to eat, travel, and buy things with climate change in mind. And you can encourage others to do the same.

You can also encourage companies to reduce their climate impact. By buying low- or zero-carbon products, you send a message to corporations that climate change is important.

As part of a democratic society, you can influence your representatives to make policies that advance climate solutions. You can make phone calls, write letters, and attend public talks to show leaders that climate change is important.

It may seem like the actions of one person can't make a difference. However, the actions of millions or billions of people will create the change we need.

Working together

Here's a fictional example of a real-world action that can happen when all the levers work together: A group of researchers in a large city discovered that lots of emissions were coming from old oil-burning heating systems in people's homes. They wanted to help people exchange those old heaters for new electric systems that produced far fewer emissions.

One of the biggest hurdles was cost. To solve this problem, the researchers formed a company to find ways to help pay for the switch. This company asked the government and banks to help. They found a bank that was willing to lend money to people who wanted to make the switch. They found manufacturers who were willing to lower their prices in order to sell a lot of systems. Finally, they convinced the local government to help pay for the heaters. In the end, lots of people were able to exchange their oil heating systems for cleaner electric ones. Everything worked out because businesses, government, and individuals worked together. To take on climate change, we need united action.