I often get asked questions like this on Quora. Sadly, from looking at other answers, I realise that there’s a lot of misinformation out there, so firstly we need to separate truth from fiction.
Make no mistake, greenhouse gases such as CO2 and methane are necessary for the planet… without them the surface temperature would would be about −18°C rather than the present average of 15°C. BUT… it’s a finely balanced system and in the two centuries since we became industrialised, atmospheric CO2 has gone up by more than 50%, from around 250 ppm to the current 419 ppm.
Why this is a surprise to anyone is puzzling because every year, we burn hydrocarbons that took 3 million years to form. It should be clear to everyone that we can’t continue to dump our waste in the atmosphere without consequences.
Sadly the people who really need to clean-up their act is big business. In a perfect world, they would take the initiative and be an example for all… but in reality they have a history of putting profit before the welfare of the people…
- Some decades ago, the tobacco industry hired the PR firm Hill and Knowlton who created the scientific sounding Tobacco Industry Research Council who’s sole purpose was to aggressively deny that there was any connection between smoking and lung disease.
- Then there was the petrochemical industry who needed an ‘anti-knock’ additive for gasoline, so despite the known health risks, they opted to use Lead Tetraethyl, when there were healthier (but less profitable) alternatives.
- Climate change is another in a long line of pro-business denials. There are many right-wing ‘think tanks’ and ‘research foundations’, all dedicated to funding climate change denial. The Scientific American says “140 foundations funneled $558 million to almost 100 climate denial organizations…
So we have the climate scientists who are virtually unanimous in saying that: a) climate change is real, b) it’s exacerbated by human activity, and c) we should be taking urgent action. And on the other hand you have a vocal minority of people with no climate science qualifications, who’ve been swayed by the lies and disinformation from the fossil fuel giants, and they maintain that “there’s always been climate change” or “how could human activity affect the climate”.
But returning to the question “what can we do?”, here are some ways in which each one of us can reduce our carbon footprint.
- Install solar panels and/or ground-source heat pumps
- Replace incandescent lighting with LED bulbs.
- Turn off unnecessary lights and appliances in the home.
- Run major appliances overnight when there is a surplus of electricity; things like dishwashers, water heaters, washing machines, etc.
- Wear an extra layer, and use less home heating in the winter. Similarly restrict the use of air conditioning in the summer. Consider using fans instead of a/c.
- Don’t be a fashion victim! The fashion industry is responsible for 10% of global carbon emissions and more than 20% of wastewater. Surprisingly, they are bigger polluters than all international flights and maritime shipping. And for what?
- Cut down on red meat. Livestock production is responsible for a lot of deforestation, and is a major producer of methane.
- Cut down also on eating fish. Industrial scale fishing is killing the seas.
- Use the car less, and walk and/or cycle more
- Use public transport when possible.
- Source produce from local suppliers (for example, a lot of chicken comes from Thailand with a huge carbon footprint, similarly, lamb from New Zealand, etc.)
- Think strongly about your vacation plans. Short haul is better than long haul. And did you know that cruise ships are major polluters? The shipping line Carnival Cruises alone produces more pollution than all the cars in Europe.
If everyone on the planet makes small changes like these, then even if we can’t stop the current warming trend, there’s every chance we can make it less extreme and hopefully survivable.
If you wanted to do more, you might consider using your rights as a tax paying member of a democracy. Write letters, lobby your local and national politicians, and only vote for anyone who advocates protection for the environment, and the sustainable use of natural resources.
Also, be aware that the Chevrons and Exxons of the world will fight to protect their profits and will continue to try to get public opinion on their side, as well as making ‘campaign contributions’ (aka bribes) to influence the policy makers. So join environmental groups who are trying to counter this propaganda war.
The arguments of climate change deniers are mostly hot air (ha ha) and rhetoric, and short on substance, so learn some of the issues, and start countering their arguments. These people are willing to risk the futures of our children and grandchildren… don’t let them get away with it!
