Global warming does not leave anyone indifferent. It is a worldwide hot topic ?? has become, which concerns not only politicians and action groups, but also the general population. After all, everyone is able to do something against global warming. The approach to the global climate problem starts with you. You can take a lot of actions yourself to reduce your CO2 emissions. There is a general feeling that too little is being done to combat climate change. The outlook does not bode well if no concrete measures are taken in the short term.
Climate, a necessary evil
There is a lot of talk about the climate. The question, however, is not what we are going to do about it, but rather when. Time is running out to reduce CO2 emissions worldwide in order to keep it livable for us our great-grandchildren in the medium term. Politically it is very difficult to reach an agreement due to the contradictions between the left and right parties. Left groups (Greenpeace, World Wildlife Fund) and parties want to go very far in the fight against global warming. Well-known positions are the commitment to green mobility, sustainable energy, and so on. The right side believes that most measures are too strict and this will consequently hamper economic growth. The left has the feeling that the right does not really want to cooperate in a climate change, in order to remain friends with the industrial world and large capital. However, something will have to be done to increase global warming by less than 2 ° C.
The climate summit in Paris (COP21)
The December 2015 climate summit in Paris was the most important for years. During this climate summit, a concrete action plan was drawn up on how to keep global warming below 2 ° C. The larger industrial countries such as China and the United States were considered. The climate summit already had a big commitment. After all, scientists have calculated that if nothing happens, we will have a global warming of 2 ° C within 20 years. By the year 2100, warming would already be 4 to 6 ° C. This will of course have consequences, social, ecological and economic. The climate summit in Paris took place from November 30 to December 11, 2015.
Climate warming: eight tips to reduce your own CO2 emissions
You can also do a lot yourself to reduce your personal CO2 emissions. After all, every little bit helps to combat global warming.
It is better to switch off electrical appliances
Do not leave the plug of your laptop in the socket all day long. Try to switch off as many electrical appliances as possible. This would also make sense within your company. Always switch off your computer when you leave. Indeed, it is not you who pays for the electricity, but your boss. However, this does not mean that you cannot contribute to the waste of electricity from work. Also always turn off the lights at work after leaving.
Defrost the freezer and avoid air conditioning
Make sure to defrost the freezer at least twice a year. This way you can save a lot of energy. Air conditioning also consumes a lot of energy. It is of course pleasant to have air conditioning at home, but this air conditioning installation also consumes a lot of energy. There are many other ways to cool down during the hot days. Examples of this are a walk in the woods or a refreshing dip in a pond.
Get rid of the dryer
A drying cabinet consumes a lot of energy. However, it is often ideal weather outside to let your laundry dry. Spring – due to low humidity and pleasant temperatures – is the perfect season to let the laundry dry outside.
Use green public transport
Take a bike, walk or use public transport. In this way you can help to reduce your ecological footprint. Public transport is occasionally delayed, but you can also have problems with your car on the road. Accidents, combined with long traffic jams, also cause a lot of stress.
A degree less warm in the house
A degree less warm in the house seems to be possible. For many this does not seem insurmountable, but many simply forget to do it. A degree less warm quickly yields savings of 6 to 7%. This is certainly not a bad idea because of the more expensive gas and electricity.
Insulate the house
Insulating a home offers many advantages. The two most important benefits are the energy gain, but certainly also the contribution to the environment. A well-insulated house will pay for itself in the long term. In certain countries, subsidies are available to insulate the house.
Recycle and reduce your consumption
Think before you buy. Certain foods can be purchased in environmentally friendly packaging and others cannot. The waste that someone consumes can add up considerably. After all, processing waste also costs energy. Be alert in this and try to keep the waste mountain as small as possible. Keeping a few chickens to eat table scraps is a good idea.
An often forgotten tip: eat less meat
Eating a tasty steak produces just as much greenhouse gas emissions as a 70-kilometer drive with an average car. Before the steak is offered for consumption on your plate, it has already absorbed five thousand liters of water. In this way one arrives at a disturbing conclusion. Consumption of meat causes greater CO2 emissions than all greenhouse gas emissions in the transport sector combined. A change of diet, for example by eating less meat, is a good tip to reduce your own CO2 emissions.
Conclusion
Everyone on the globe can contribute to reduced CO2 consumption. Naturally, the largest emitters of CO2 bear the greatest responsibility. It is up to politics to determine the rules here. You can also help reduce your CO2 consumption yourself. A few small daily efforts can reduce consumption.