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Russia, the world’s number-two oil and natural gas producer, invaded Ukraine in February. Reducing the consumption of Russian oil and gas is now an ethical imperative. Meanwhile, the climate crisis is accelerating. It is urgent that we start eliminating all fossil-fuel use, not just Russian fuel.

But can we sharply decrease our dependence on oil and gas in the near-term – months, not years – and then continue decreasing it over the longer term? 

In March the International Energy Agency (IEA) released a ten-point plan to reduce dependence on Russian oil by half within four months.  Many things on the list fall into the ‘making better individual choices’ basket. Some folks say individual choices don’t matter and only systemic change really works. It’s true that if we engage with the world only as consumers, and not as citizens and stewards, we’ll be constantly conned and frustrated. 

But individual choices still matter. And systemic change doesn’t happen until a critical mass of people resolves to live differently.

So here’s my list of near-term solutions for food, buildings, and sustainable transportation:

There’s a lot more that could be on this list. Please share it around, or put together your own list and share it. Everybody I know is appalled and dispirited by this war and the climate emergency. Let’s support one another and do something about it. 

Tom Radulovich is Executive Director of Livable City

Filed Under: Bicycle Infrastructure, Bicycling, Pedestrian Safety, Transit, Promoted, promoted and GJEL