Much of our electricity and heating runs on coal, oil and gas. You can use less energy by reducing heating and air conditioning, switching to LED light bulbs and energy-efficient domestic appliances, washing clothes in cold water or hanging out wet clothes instead of using the dryer.

The world's roads are crowded with vehicles, most of which use diesel or gasoline. Walking or cycling instead of driving reduces greenhouse gas emissions, and is a benefit to health and fitness. For longer distances, consider traveling by train or bus. And share the car whenever possible. 

If you are thinking of buying a car, a motorbike or a bicycle, consider buying an electric model, as more and more models are being marketed at lower prices. Even though they run on electricity produced from fossil fuels, electric cars help reduce air pollution and cause fewer greenhouse gas emissions than gas or diesel vehicles.

Eating more vegetables, fruits, whole grains, legumes, nuts and seeds, and less meat and dairy products, can reduce considerably your environmental impact. Plant-based food production tends to generate less greenhouse gas emissions and requires less energy, land and water.

When you throw away food, you also waste the resources and energy that were used to grow, produce, package, and transport it. And when food rots in a landfill, it produces methane, a potent greenhouse gas. So, use what you buy and turn the remains into fertilizer.

Today's industrialised countries have built their economies on burning fossil fuels to provide electricity, transport and to develop industries. Developing countries are now beginning to do the same and that's a big problem.

Interview: Driek van Vugt