Understanding the causes of greenhouse gas emission is more important than ever, as the effects of climate changes become more urgent and COP29 is just days away. Our daily choices have a significant impact on the health of the planet, from the energy we use to what we eat. This article, which follows on from the introduction to COP last week, examines the main contributors of climate change. These include power generation and manufacturing, deforestation (deforestation), transportation, food production, building energies, and consumption habits. By shedding light on these factors we can better understand the urgency of taking up sustainable practices, and uniting for collective action in order to combat the climate crisis. Not sure how to start your contribution? Read on!
Generating Power
The burning of fossil fuels to generate electricity and heat is responsible for a large portion of global emissions. The majority of electricity still comes from coal, oil or gas. This releases carbon dioxide and nitrogen oxide, powerful greenhouse gases that trap warmth in the atmosphere. Just over a quarter (25%) of global electricity comes from renewable sources, such as wind and solar. These emit little or no greenhouse gases.
How can I help you? Turn off lights and appliances if they aren’t in use. Consider carpooling or using public transport whenever possible. Encourage your city to adopt eco friendly public transportation, and your government to invest in renewable energy sources such as wind and solar.
Reduce your energy consumption at home by using less heating and cooling, switching to energy-efficient appliances and LED light bulbs, washing your clothes in cold water or drying them on a line instead of using the dryer. By improving your home’s efficiency, such as through better insulation, or by replacing your oil or gasoline furnace with an electric heating pump, you can reduce your carbon footprint up to 900 kg of CO2e each year.
Switch to renewable energy sources like wind or solar. Install solar panels on your home’s roof to generate electricity. By switching from fossil fuels like oil, coal, or gas to renewable energy sources such as solar or wind, you can reduce your carbon footprint up to 1.5 tons per year.
Switch to an Electric Vehicle – If you are planning to buy a vehicle, consider going electric. More and cheaper models are coming to the market. Electric cars are used in many countries to reduce air pollution. They also emit significantly less greenhouse gases than vehicles powered by gas or diesel. Many electric cars are still powered by fossil fuels. Batteries and engines also require rare minerals, which can be expensive and have high environmental and social costs. By switching from a gasoline- or diesel-powered vehicle to an electric car, you can reduce your carbon footprint up to two tons of CO2e each year. A hybrid vehicle could save you up 700 kilograms of CO2e each year.
Manufacturing Goods
Manufacturing and industrial sectors contribute significantly to emissions. This is primarily due to the combustion of fossil fuels for energy when producing items such as cement, steel and plastics. The industrial processes, such as mining and construction, emit greenhouse gases. Many manufacturing machines run on fossil fuels.
How can I help you? Choose your construction materials carefully when designing or building a house, home or business. Consider how your materials will be transported and reduce the environmental impact as much as possible (dust, waste, transportation distances).
Cutting down forests
Deforestation to make way for agriculture, pastureland and other uses can lead to significant emissions, as trees that are cut down release carbon stored in them. Each year, approximately 12 million hectares are lost to forest. Forests are vital in absorbing CO2, and their destruction limits the ability of nature to reduce atmospheric emissions. Deforestation, along with changes in agricultural and land use, is responsible for a quarter of the global greenhouse gas emissions.
How can I help you? If you or someone else you know uses a stove to heat their home or cook with, choose a modern eco friendly wood stove. Only burn biomass products according to the Biomass Association of Georgia.
Transport
Transportation is a major contributor to greenhouse gases. This is due primarily to the use of fossil fuels in cars, trucks and planes. The largest contribution comes from road vehicles, primarily due to gasoline combustion. Ships and planes also emit more carbon dioxide, and transportation accounts for almost a quarter of all global energy-related emissions. Trends indicate that energy consumption will increase significantly in the next few years.
How can I help you? Take public transport, walk, bike, or use public transport. The roads are clogged up with vehicles that burn diesel or gasoline. By walking or cycling instead of driving, you can reduce greenhouse gasses and improve your health. Consider taking the train or bus for longer distances. Carpooling is a great option. A car-free lifestyle can reduce your carbon footprint up to 2 tons per year.
Consider your travel. Airplanes emit significant greenhouse gasses from the burning of fossil fuels. This makes reducing your environmental impact by taking fewer planes one of the fastest methods. You can meet virtually, take the train or even skip the long-distance flight. You can reduce your carbon footprint up to 2 tons by taking one less long-haul flight.
Producing Food
The production of food generates emissions in many ways, including land clearing, livestock methane emissions, and deforestation. In addition, the use of manure and fertilizers, as well as the energy needed for farming equipment and fishing vessels, which are often powered by fossil-fuels, contributes to greenhouse gas emissions. Food packaging and distribution also contribute to emissions, making climate change a major factor.
How can I help you? Eat more vegetables! Eating more fruits, vegetables, whole grains, beans, nuts and seeds and less meat or dairy can reduce your environmental impact. Plant-based food production generally results in lower greenhouse gas emissions, and requires less land, energy, and water. By switching from a mixed diet to a vegetarian one, you can reduce your carbon footprint up to 500 kg of CO2e each year (or 900 kg for a vegan diet).
Consuming Too Much
Our consumption patterns, including how we travel, eat and dispose of waste contribute significantly to greenhouse gases. The consumption of household goods like clothing, electronics, plastics, and other items accounts for a large portion of global emissions. The richest individuals bear the most responsibility. The richest 1% of global population are responsible for more greenhouse gases than the poorest half.
How can I help you? Reduce, reuse and recycle! Electronics, clothing, plastics, and other items that we purchase cause carbon emissions throughout the production process, from raw materials extraction to manufacturing to transporting goods to markets. Buy fewer items, shop second hand, and repair anything you can to protect the environment. Plastics alone accounted for 1.8 billion metric tonnes of greenhouse gas emission in 2019, or 3.4% of global total. Plastic is only recycled in a small percentage, and it can remain in landfills for hundreds of years. You can reduce your carbon footprint by buying fewer clothes and other consumer products. Each kilogram of textiles generated generates approximately 17 kilograms CO2e.
Clean up your environment. Land and water that are contaminated due to improperly discarded trash can harm humans, animals and plants. When you are able to, use what you have and dispose of the rest properly. Participate in local clean-ups, such as those of parks, rivers and beaches. People throw away 2 billion tons worth of trash every year. Around a third of trash is harmful to the environment, from poisoning soil to choking water sources.
Climate Change Impact: A Growing Crisis
Global surface temperatures increase as greenhouse gas concentrations increase. The last decade (2011-2010) has been the hottest on record. Each decade since 1980 has been warmer than the previous. Heat-related illnesses are more common in hotter climates, and wildfires are more likely to occur. Storms are becoming more intense, and they’re happening more often. Climate change is also altering water availability and increasing droughts.
Oceans Warming and Loss of Species
Ocean acidification and rising sea levels are a threat to coastal communities. Ocean acidification and rising sea levels endanger marine life, while rising sea levels threaten coastal communities. Climate change threatens the survival of species both on land and in oceans, with extinction rates rising rapidly.
How can I help you? Support organizations that are focused on ocean conservation, and take part in local cleanup efforts to protect marine environments.
Food Insecurity and Health Risques
Extreme weather patterns and climate change contribute to an increase in global hunger and poor nutrition. They also threaten fisheries, crops and livestock. Climate change also leads to health problems, such as respiratory issues and mental health challenges.
How can I help you? Volunteer at local food banks or community gardens to support food security initiatives, and to raise awareness about sustainable food practices.
Plant native species. If you have a small garden or even a few plants outside your home, look for native species. Use an app to identify plants. Then, replace any non-native plants that are considered invasive. Plants, animals, and insects are all interdependent. Birds and other species are deprived of food because most insects won’t eat non-native plant species. Biodiversity is affected. Even a single shrub or tree can provide a refuge. Just remember to avoid insecticides and other chemical products.
Throw less food away – When you toss food away, you waste the resources and energy used to produce, package and transport it. When food rots, it releases methane, an extremely powerful greenhouse gas. Purchase only what you require, use the food you purchase and compost leftovers. By reducing your food waste, you can reduce your carbon footprint up to 300 kilograms per year.
Poverty and displacement
Climate change worsens poverty by displacing millions of people each year because of weather-related events. The most vulnerable communities are usually the ones that suffer the most, and many refugees come from countries that are least prepared to adapt to climate changes. Understanding these dynamics is essential for developing sustainable solutions that protect the planet and its inhabitants.
How can I help you? Support policies that promote climate justice and protect vulnerable populations.
Conclusion
We can all help fight climate change by making conscious choices in our everyday lives. Each action, no matter the size, is important. Together, we can create a sustainable world. Remember, your efforts do make a difference.
Our spending habits directly impact the environment. You can choose which products and services to support. If you want to reduce your carbon footprint choose companies that are committed to responsible resource use, and who prioritize reducing emissions and waste. Your savings, whether they are invested through a pension plan or other investments, could be supporting industries such as fossil fuels and deforestation. Investing in sustainable businesses will reduce your environmental impact.
Encourage others to take action. It’s the fastest and most effective way to make a change. Speak to your family, friends, colleagues and neighbors. Let business owners and managers know that you support bold initiatives, such as plastic-free products or packaging, and zero emission vehicles. Every conversation can lead to change.
Call on local and global leaders to act immediately. Climate action is a concern for all of us. We can’t do it alone, but we can work together.
The Case for Cutting Animal Agriculture As A Means of Climate Control
The United Nations Climate Change Conference has managed to ignore the cow that is in the room for the past 27 years. At the COP28 conference in Dubai, UAE last year, things began to change, though not necessarily in a positive way. The discussion on this topic is just beginning, despite the fact that food systems account for a third global greenhouse gas emissions. Even if we decide not to burn fossil fuels anymore, the emissions of the food system will still push us over the 1.5 degree Celsius global temperature limit set by the Paris Agreement. The animal agriculture industries are no longer able to hide the cow from the room. They have resorted to either downplaying the impact of their industry on climate change or worse, portraying cows as climate heroes.
“But we will not achieve the Paris Agreement goal of limiting global heating to 1.5 degrees unless tree planting is prioritized, and eliminating animal farming should be our last step!” This paraphrased statement from a recent Plant Based Treaty Georgia Workshop raises important issues. Animal agriculture is responsible for the majority of human-caused emissions of methane, a gas that is 80 times more powerful than CO2, but has a shorter lifetime in the atmosphere of 12 years. Animal agriculture is the largest single source of human-caused methane emissions, accounting for 36%. Cutting methane emissions may be our best–and possibly only–chance at staying below a 1.5 degC rise. We could use 75% of the agricultural land that we currently use to farm animals for food for restoration and tree planting. Trees take decades to mature.
Some animal farmers claim that the same land cannot be repurposed as human-edible plants, but this is a case-specific argument and is often used as an excuse. Even if this were true, the land could be rewilded rather than used for animal agriculture, highlighting a mind-set that commodifies natural resources. It’s important to plant trees that are native to the area to support the local ecosystem. In the same way, cultivating a variety of plant foods, rather than monocropping which leaves us vulnerable, is essential to maintaining healthy soils and resilient food systems.
By Katie Ruth Davies. Source: COP/UN
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