We get it. Sometimes reading the news can be depressing… especially when it comes to the environment.

Last week, we talked a lot about the scary climate change news coming out of the United Nations. (If you don’t remember, a new UN report found that the climate crisis is coming on faster than we had previously thought, explaining that we really only have 12 years to dramatically reduce global emissions.)

With headlines like that, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed and hopeless. That’s why today, we’re talking about action and the Mayor’s Carbon Reduction Challenge.

So what are you waiting for? Start reading and then get out there and go do!!

Scientists are saying we need to act fast to avoid the worst effects of climate change. (Which for Austin, could mean even more days over 100 degrees, longer periods of drought, and more intense flooding.)

So what do we do about it? As Zach Baumer from the city’s Office of Sustainability says, “At this point, it’s all hands on deck. I mean, the city can do things, but we need companies doing things, we need every individual doing things…We all need to make changes.”

Don’t know which changes to make or how to make them?

That’s what the Mayor’s Carbon Reduction Challenge is all about. All you have to do to participate is download the Rethink/ App. When the challenge begins on October 23rd you’ll get notified and will be given a whole list of simple things you can do to start reducing your own carbon footprint immediately. The app even shows you ways to save money while you’re saving the environment.

The challenge lasts from October 23rd to October 30th and the goal is to collectively avoid 50,000 pounds of emissions throughout the course of the competition. Plus, Austinites who do the best job at reducing emissions will be rewarded with fun prizes, including an electric bicycle, vertical garden, compost tumbler, transit pass, or water cistern.

Our Editor-In-Chief Amy Stansbury will be playing along as well, so be sure to follow us on Instagram (@austineconetwork) for day-by-by updates and tips!

Want even more inspiration to start taking action on climate change? Click here to get a free ticket to the “Project Drawdown Simulcast” being hosted by the Office of Sustainability on Friday, October 19th from 6pm to 9:30pm at the Alamo Drafthouse Mueller. During the event, you’ll have the opportunity to learn more about the key actions that need to be taken worldwide to prevent the worst effects of climate. Plus, everyone who attends will be rewarded with a free copy of “Drawdown: The Most Comprehensive Plan Ever Proposed to Reverse Global Warming.”