It seems that we are deluged with dire predictions of environmental damage on a daily basis. This can make the problem feel completely overwhelming.

What's worse, a report by the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change suggests global warming will dramatically impact people living in the developing world. Rising sea levels, fresh water shortages and severe drought conditions could threaten billions of vulnerable people in Africa and across Asia.

Fortunately, a few simple changes to your lifestyle can significantly reduce your environmental impact. By simply trying the following steps, you can make a difference, especially for those who may be most affected by climate change.

1. Drive a fuel-efficient vehicle
Cut your atmosphere-polluting emissions up to a third by purchasing a smaller, more fuel-efficient vehicle. When buying your next car consider a vehicle with manual transmission and fewer options like air conditioning, power windows and heated seats—all of which can increase fuel consumption.

In the recent federal budget, the Canadian government announced people who purchase new fuel-efficient or efficient alternative-fuel vehicles will be rewarded with tax rebates of up to $2,000.

2. Eat locally
Shop at a local farmers' market for groceries grown in your area. Insist your fruits and vegetables come from your province or some place nearby. The average North American meal now travels 2,400 km from field to table. Buying local fruits and vegetables helps maintain nearby farmlands and wildlife habitats and reduces the pollution created when produce is shipped great distances.

3. Change your light bulbs
Make the switch to energy-saving, compact fluorescent light (CFL) bulbs. These bulbs use 75 per cent less energy compared to incandescent bulbs and CFL bulbs last ten times longer.

4. Plant a tree
Trees help clean the air from air pollution and, in particular, carbon dioxide—a gas that contributes to global warming. In the developing world trees provide vital food, income and jobs.

To plant a tree in a developing country and provide food for a family through the World Vision Gift Catalogue, click here.

5. Get your kids involved
Explain to your children where their lunch comes from so they understand the importance of a healthy environment and will become ecologically conscious.

Encourage your kids to walk, in-line skate or ride their bikes to get around. This will help them get the necessary exercise they need and will save on the emissions that would have been created by a car ride.

To have a direct impact on the life of a child in the developing world through World Vision Child Sponsorship, click here.