What can you do to help climate change?
A new report has recently been released this week by the UN’s Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC). This report looks at the causes, impacts and solutions to climate change. It offered a stark warning that many of the impacts of global warming are now irreversible. However, there is still a brief window of time to avoid the very worst. Here are some ordinary things you can do to reduce your carbon footprint and help make a difference.
Eat less meat…
Livestock is responsible for about 15% of global emissions, switching to a vegan diet is one of the most effective methods to minimise your carbon footprint. Veganism would reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 13 million tonnes over 20 years by freeing up land to plant more trees, resulting in a 25% reduction in global emissions. Switching to veganism is a significant adjustment that some people may find difficult to make, thus simply reducing the amount of meat and dairy consumed would still benefit the environment.
Conserve energy…
Heating accounts for 40% of total energy usage in the UK. Most homes are still heated by gas boilers which release harmful CO² emissions. Small changes such as switching off plugs and lights when not in use, turning off the radiators in rooms that aren’t in use and having sufficient insulation will all make a positive difference both to your energy bills and the planet.
Buy local and seasonal produce…
Buying seasonal produce that is grown locally is much better for the environment than buying items that have been shipped around the world as it doesn’t have to travel as far to arrive on your plate, so it helps reduce greenhouse gas emissions and contributes to improving our carbon footprint.
It also benefits the local economy, including supporting local farmers and other producers. An even more environmentally friendly option would be to grow your own produce!
Switch to an environmentally friendly bank…
When choosing a bank to put your money or your savings, you are also choosing where your money will be invested. It is estimated that as of September 2019, nearly £150bn had been invested in fossil fuels by UK banks since the Paris agreement. It is therefore imperative that you choose a bank where your money and finances are being managed in a green, ethical way.
Buy more second-hand clothes…
The textile business uses a lot of water and harmful chemicals, which results in significant amounts of water and air pollution. It is estimated that the fashion industry produces 10% of global carbon dioxide emissions every year. An alternative to always buying new clothes is to instead buy second-hand clothes and resell any items you no longer want.
Drive less…
It is estimated that 60% of journeys between one and two miles long in England are made by motor vehicle. With transportation accounting for a third of all emissions in the UK, drastically lowering automobile use, particularly for short trips, would have a significant impact.
