Climate change is one of the biggest challenges we face as a species. Human activity over the past 200 years has meant that we are on the brink of environmental disaster. However, there are still things we can do to minimize the damage, and one such measure is reducing our carbon footprint. We've looked at what this means, what steps you can take and whether your individual carbon footprint matters in the grand scheme of things. You can minimize your carbon footprint and help the environment in many different ways. Whether you're at home, at work, at school, or when you're traveling, small changes can add up. In short, to reduce your carbon footprint, you'll want to do things like reduce the amount of energy you use, eat less animal products, shop local, travel smart, and reduce waste. To learn more about the causes and impacts of climate change, as well as some possible solutions, check out our online climate change courses .