Lead by example to reduce climate change

n You fly to your holiday destination, to visit your family on the mainland/continent, or to attend a business meeting overseas (air travel is the fastest growing source of greenhouse gases like carbon dioxide).

n You use a car or scooter as your transport (carbon dioxide – CO2 – is the largest source of greenhouse gas emissions).

n You smoke (84 million tonnes of CO2 equivalent caused by tobacco industry).

n You eat meat (greenhouse gas emissions, methane – CH4 – caused by animal agriculture).

n You use a smartphone (125 megatons of CO2 equivalent per year from the production chain alone – excluding the energy required to operate data centres).

And the list goes on, so it is safe to say that every one of us contributes in one way or another to climate change.

CO2 and CH4 are the two most prevalent greenhouse gases caused by human activities, and the present level of consumerism is damaging the environment and therefore not sustainable. However, reducing or reversing climate change through government action will have very limited success. A meaningful and lasting change can only come through individual action and a change of lifestyle. We need to return to basics: living with less. Minimalism is not a new philosophy, but a conscious choice to save the planet through real and continued commitment to reduce the exploitation of the Earth’s resources. It is an ongoing and often slow process. Contrary to popular belief, you do not need public money or States involvement to examine your daily routine and translate words into action at a personal level. There will be initial pain and sacrifice, but the rewards will make it worthwhile.

Climate change has caught the imagination of the young generation especially. But taking your car or scooter to go and lecture people is counter-productive and hypocritical. You will be far more effective – and credible – if you walk or cycle to meetings and explain what recent lifestyle changes you personally have started to make towards improving the environment for your and future generations. The message is getting through, now go beyond words and leaflets and lead by example.

PHIL DUPRE

ADDRESS WITHHELD.