I feel that it's necessary that I post. I've been working as an energy consultant for large businesses and governments where I improve the energy efficiency of facilities, in effect reducing their carbon footprint. Climate change is a complex topic and what little I know helps me understand how complex of a challenge it is. The following is my bias and probably incorrect opinion.
The most effective way to reduce the effects of global warming is to implement a carbon tax. Use the power of the economic system we have to guide firms reduce their own carbon footprint. For example, in Canada, they implemented a revenue-neutral policy where carbon is taxed and the money made is refunded evenly per person. The only costs are the minimum administrative and the substitution/income effect (Slutsky equation).
As a person, it's difficult to know where to help. I would recommend to first promote the above and then look at the metric '$ per CO2 emission saved'. I believe it is the most important metric to reducing your carbon footprint.
Taking the bus instead of driving, moving to a smaller house, reducing meat consumption or updating to LED lighting in many cases has a negative $/CO2, meaning you save money and reduce CO2. With the money you saved, look at projects with positive but small $/CO2, this could be purchasing power from renewable sources, purchasing a more efficient heating and cooling system. This list is what I've seen in north america but changes greatly depending on region and what you are already doing.
Unfortunately it is a very complex challenge. I know I didn't answer your question. I would recommend starting with good information, the IPCC releases reports of the leading science of climate change and would recommend starting with the report for policy makers as a summary. https://www.ipcc.ch/report/ar5/syr/
The most effective way to reduce the effects of global warming is to implement a carbon tax. Use the power of the economic system we have to guide firms reduce their own carbon footprint. For example, in Canada, they implemented a revenue-neutral policy where carbon is taxed and the money made is refunded evenly per person. The only costs are the minimum administrative and the substitution/income effect (Slutsky equation).
As a person, it's difficult to know where to help. I would recommend to first promote the above and then look at the metric '$ per CO2 emission saved'. I believe it is the most important metric to reducing your carbon footprint.
Taking the bus instead of driving, moving to a smaller house, reducing meat consumption or updating to LED lighting in many cases has a negative $/CO2, meaning you save money and reduce CO2. With the money you saved, look at projects with positive but small $/CO2, this could be purchasing power from renewable sources, purchasing a more efficient heating and cooling system. This list is what I've seen in north america but changes greatly depending on region and what you are already doing.
Unfortunately it is a very complex challenge. I know I didn't answer your question. I would recommend starting with good information, the IPCC releases reports of the leading science of climate change and would recommend starting with the report for policy makers as a summary. https://www.ipcc.ch/report/ar5/syr/