COP26 – the 26th United Nations Climate Change Conference in Glasgow – is almost upon us. The great and the good (and the not-so-good) will assemble to commit to limiting the emission of greenhouse gases, stopping global temperature from rising above 1.5°C and the consequent ecological catastrophe. Every fraction of a degree above that will mean more communities disappearing, more habitats destroyed, more lives lost.
Carbon Dioxide is the dominant greenhouse gas, produced mainly by humans burning fossil fuels, industrial activity and land use change. Moreover, up to 65% of methane – even deadlier than CO2 as a greenhouse gas – comes from human activities, including agriculture and waste management. We often hear people say “what is the point of us trying to reduce our personal contribution to greenhouse gas emissions (GGE) when China continues to open new coal-fired power stations, Australia is mining and selling coal as long as there is a market, and Brazil is turning a blind eye to felling the Amazon forest for grazing land?”
That is missing the point. It is people who use the electricity produced by power stations. Its generation accounts for 24% of GGE in the UK. It is people who burn carbon fuels in their cars, and people who eat red meat – creating a demand for more cattle and change of land use to graze them. If we all try to reduce our consumption of energy-based services, drive our cars less, use public transport more, and change our dietary habits, demand for CO2-producing activities – such as those listed above – will fall and, with it, GGE. We should at least try.
Here are five ways to make a difference:
1. Leave the car at home
Walk, cycle, scoot, or take public transport whenever possible. A recent study found that in cities, switching just one car trip per day to cycling reduces an individual’s carbon footprint on average by about 0.5 tonnes per year. Transport is the largest greenhouse gas emitter in the UK at 28% of the total.
2. Fly less
Choose holiday destinations nearer to home. Travel by rail if possible. A single trip, London to Amsterdam – city centre to city centre – emits 58kg CO2 by air but only 3kg CO2 by rail, and the costs and time taken are not very different.
3. Use less energy at home, saving CO2 and money
Residential GGE emissions account for 15% of the total in the UK. The Energy Trust reckons that in a four-person household, savings to be made per year include: turning the thermostat down a degree and wearing an extra layer (£55); using smart heater controls (£70); replacing bulbs with LEDs (£30); switching off the TV standby (up to £35) and, of course, making sure your home is well-insulated.
4. Cut back on consumption and waste
Waste management accounts for 4% of our GGE. Avoid single-use items, fast food and fast fashion. Do not buy more than you need, including food. Recycle via charity shops or selling on.
5. Eat less meat and dairy products
Agriculture accounts for at least 10% GGE in the UK. Eat red meat less frequently and in smaller portions. Choose UK and local fresh food products to reduce GGE produced by long transportation and refrigeration.
