8 things to do right now in your community to prepare for climate change

MIND AND I // Shutterstock Climate anxiety and climate-related trauma are mental health concerns rooted in real experiences, such as natural disasters, and existential worry for the future. Roughly half of young people–those who will inherit the consequences of climate change complacency and live through the most severe effects of extreme weather–report that climate change negatively affects their daily lives, according to a global survey of 10,000 people between the ages of 16 and 25. The majority of respondents said that in the context of climate change, they are frightened of the years ahead. This concern is prevalent in the United States as well, with more than half of Americans stating climate change is the single most important issue facing society today. Large swaths of the U.S. are facing climate-related flood risks due to rising sea and freshwater levels and increased rainfall. Roughly 80% of the country is experiencing unusually dry conditions, most notably the Western U.S., which has been gripped by a megadrought. Cities are getting hotter, while wildfires are growing in frequency and intensity. At present, virtually every bit of the U.S. is impacted by climate change. And yet, most people have done little, or nothing at all, to change their behavior to mitigate their own impact on the environment. When facing a problem so extensive, it can be overwhelming even to attempt to find a manageable solution. But starting small–and starting at all, really–is one of the most important things you can do. Westfield compiled a list of eight ways people can prepare their communities for the impacts of climate change. Building climate resilience, or the ability to prepare for and respond to climate-related events, may also help ease climate anxiety, improving both the environment and one’s quality of life. Plant a rain garden or install a rain barrel Richard Pratt // Shutterstock Rain gardens can help prevent erosion, absorb standing water, redirect and filter polluted runoff, and recharge groundwater supplies. A single rain garden can treat 25,000 gallons of water each year. In regions of the county like the Northeast, where climate change is predicted to lead to more heavy downpours and flooding, rain gardens can mitigate those issues. In severely drought-prone areas, a rain garden won’t be effective, but a rain barrel can help collect water. Remove invasive plant species from parks AYA images // Shutterstock Farmers are facing less reliable growing seasons due to climate change. Some have been forced to fallow fields because there isn’t enough water to sustain their crops. In other parts of the country, too much rain is drowning young plants. Invasive species which thrive under extreme conditions are decimating the crops that do succeed. Supporting local farmers contending with these variables will not only keep the cost to consumers down but will also ensure growers stay in business. Community-supported agriculture groups exist across the country, and many communities and local co-ops sponsor regular farmers markets, where local farmers have direct access to the buying public. Get elected to HOA or neighborhood association Atstock Productions // Shutterstock Getting involved at a hyper-local level through a homeowner or neighborhood association can position you to effect small but impactful immediate changes, initiate climate-centric conversations, and find a group of people working towards the same goal. HOAs often provide access to volunteering opportunities, as well as standardized maintenance protocols, which can mitigate the overuse of water and other resources. This story originally appeared on Westfield and was produced and distributed in partnership with Stacker Studio.