What to Do to Fight Climate Change

Policy to Address Climate Change

The urgency of the climate crisis demands immediate action at all levels of government, including federal, state and local. The Lung Association advocates for climate action to protect health, including switching from coal and other fossil-fuel-fired power plants to clean, non-combustion, renewable energy; cleaning up oil and gas drilling operations to reduce pollution, including methane emissions; improving energy efficiency; and switching to zero-emission transportation, including cars and trucks. We prioritize policies that advance environmental justice. 

To make this happen, we need you to call on your leaders to prioritize climate actions to protect health. Learn more and take action with our Healthy Air Campaign.

Making a Collective Difference

In addition to calling for laws and policies to address climate change, you can join the collective movement to reduce your own carbon footprint. 

Join our Stand Up For Clean Air initiative to get resources on steps you can take to address climate change.

Here are some tips right now: 

Use less energy. Some appliances are “power vampires” – they drain electricity even when they’re off. Plug your TV, computer and other appliances into a power strip and turn it off when you leave the house. 

If you have the option, switch to renewable electricity, either by installing solar panels or purchasing renewable power from your utility.

Walk or bike whenever you can. Choose public transit, like buses or trains, when you have the option 

If you do need a car, consider purchasing an electric vehicle or other zero-emission vehicle. (You may even be able to take advantage of tax credits passed as part of the Inflation Reduction Act.)

And if you own a gasoline-powered vehicle, you can minimize its emissions by keeping your tires properly inflated, getting regular oil changes, removing heavy items from the trunk and getting your vehicle serviced right away if the check engine light comes on.