What personal climate actions are most effective?

Through a survey we did in 2022, we found that our sample of Bow Valley residents were fairly well informed about climate science, but this did not correlate to an understanding of which climate actions are most effective. Global polling also shows people tend to overestimate the least effective climate actions and underestimate the most impactful climate actions.

- Buy green energy (for a local option, visit Rocky Mountain Community Energy)
- Install solar panels on your home
- Get involved in community-owned renewable energy
- Have one less kid
- Live car-free
- Avoid air travel
- Eat a plant-based diet
- Work and play close to where you live
- Retrofit your building’s envelope for efficiency
- Upgrade your roof’s insulation
- Purchase the most energy efficient washer and dryer
- Install a geothermal exchange system
- Install energy efficient windows
- Take transit, walk or bike
- Switch to an electric vehicle
- Insulate your walls
- Install a high-efficiency furnace
- Upgrade to energy efficient appliances
- Use a reusable water bottle and coffee mug
- Grow your own food, participate in a community garden
- Hang clothes to dry
- Replace your showerhead with low flow
- Cut your lawn using a push mower
- Wash your clothes in cold water
- Drive smarter and keep vehicle well maintained
- Set your thermostat to 17-21C
- Retrofit your drain with a DWHR unit
- Carshare
- Weatherproof your home
- Switch to LED lightbulbs
- Replace your gas stove with an induction top stove

Sources: City of Calgary, City of Edmonton, Wynes et al 2017

This page is supported by grants from the following organization:

Low carbon transportation

renewable energy

Energy Efficient Buildings

What personal climate actions are most effective?

Highest-impact climate actions

Medium-impact climate actions

Lower-impact climate actions