Do Something

It is easy to get discouraged when talking about climate change. Most scientists think that we are on an extremely dangerous trajectory, and many policy experts don't think that society is going to make the necessary cuts in carbon pollution.
 
The key is that you do something. Don't worry about those long lists of things you can do, and don't get overwhelmed by the fact that you are trying to address a problem as big as the entire world. Just find at least one thing that you can do and do it. It won't stop climate change on its own, but it will get us closer to a solution.
 
Below are some suggestions.
 
 
Talk About Climate
Most of us are convinced not by advertisements or activist campaigns, but rather by our friends. Also, each of us has the ability to affect the opinions of our friends. You can't convince the entire state of Oklahoma to adopt a renewable energy standard, but maybe you can convince your cousin that she should improve the energy efficiency of her house. (Here's a relevant post.)
 
Call Your Legislator
Yes, this still makes a difference. Call your legislator and ask for him or her to take a stand on climate. Tell them that you want a major investment in clean energy, and that you want the nation to cut its carbon pollution.
 
Improve your Home's Efficiency
You've almost certainly heard this before. There are countless ways to save energy in your home and save money. Oroeco has some great advice and links for how you can make your home more efficient.
 
Buy Renewable Energy, Vote for Renewable Energy
Call your utility and ask if you can buy solar or wind power. Some utilities allow you to pay a small premium for clean energy. By doing so, you encourage the development of clean energy.
 
Join Your Local Bike Coalition and Tell Your City That You Want Better Bike Infrastructure
Biking is one of the most efficient forms of transportation ever invented, and it is incredibly fun. Unfortunately, most cities are terrifying places to ride a bike, and less than one percent of U.S. commuters ride to work on a bike. Save bike lanes (and public transit) can make a huge difference in city's carbon pollution. For instance, in Los Angeles, where most people use personal automobiles, the average person produces about 5 tons of carbon dioxide per year through transportation. In Copenhagen, Denmark, where one third of all trips in the city are by bike, and where public transit is fast, safe, and clean, the average citizen produces only 1.5 tons per year.