Individual Positive Climate Action

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What can I do as an individual to reduce emissions and contribute to positive climate change?

  • Each year Australians emit roughly 19 tonnes of greenhouse gas per person, and American’s emit 16 tonnes per person. Globally, we produce 4 tonnes per person per year.
  • To prevent the temperature from rising above 1.5 degrees Celsius by 2030, we must reach an average emission target of 2 tonnes per person
  • Ideally, individual action would account for a 45% reduction, however, a more realistic view is a 20% reduction through personal action in comparison to an 80% reduction through collective action
  • Any individual action to contribute to positive climate change must include both significant behavioral changes and action requiring investment
  • Aside from personally making changes, you can also use your voice, and your buying power to inspire change amongst our governments, corporations, and those around you.
  • Buying from local markets, grocers, or retailers instead of large, multinational organizations direct your funds away from high-carbon-producing transportation
  • Lastly, you can use your voice by simply writing your concerns to organizations, talking about climate change with those around you, and sharing information within your circle of influence.

 

What are some simple ways I can reduce my carbon footprint? 

  • The average individual carbon footprint in high-income countries is composed of the following – 34% Mobility; 30% Food; 21% Housing;
  • Significant changes in your behavior that would reduce your carbon production include:
    1. Switch to cycling, walking, carpooling, ride-sharing, or use public transport as a substitute for driving
    2. Decrease flying overall, or travel in the economy if you need to travel.
    3. Lower consumption of animal products, switching for plant-based alternatives, with a focus on local and seasonal produce
    4. Turn down heating and cooling or turn them off completely when it’s not necessary/ when you are out
    5. Reduce consumption by abstaining from impulse shopping, increase recycling, and repurposing of items.

Various forms of action that require investment include but are not limited to:

  1. One of the most expensive alternatives is to replace a petrol/diesel car with an electric car
  2. Undertake thermal renovations on homes such as efficient insulation and double-glazed windows
  3. Install water tanks and renewable energy sources such as solar panels.
  4. One of the easiest and lowest costs is to Sign up for a carbonhalo offsetting plan.
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