BBC News: Climate change: Big lifestyle changes are the only answer.
The BBC has further evidence, again, that significant lifestyle changes will be needed for many people – specifically those who are currently living a lifestyle with higher carbon emission activities. The time for incremental changes was decades ago. What is needed now is a rapid transition off of fossil fuels.
As with any major change, there is a mix of both individual and systemic changes needed. Switching significantly towards plant-based eating is relatively easy (and, often, cost-effective) for many people to do. Eliminating fossil fuel subsidies requires enough pressure from civil society to enact government changes, at the federal level, across the globe.
On the flip side, while individuals, alone, do not have the power to create a federal government policy, we do have the power to be strong advocates. We can also make changes that replicate federal policies, and encourage others in our circles to do the same. To be clear, I am not suggesting any bans for anybody – simply encouraging all of us to look at how we can make changes in our circles of influence. 🙂
– Want a carbon tax? Using a reliable carbon calculator, estimate your own carbon footprint, and then tax yourself, by donating to a reputable NGO (or your local Green Party) that is working on sustainability. Adding in Bullfrog Power, or another similar option, is another possibility. Encourage others in your family/friends/circles of influence to do the same.
– Want a reduction in aviation emissions? Consider adjusting your own travel plans. Do you fly to go somewhere warm every winter with friends or family? Lead the way and encourage the group to go somewhere closer, instead. Do you fly to some meetings where you could call in or have someone local work on your behalf?
– Want to reduce emissions from eating animal products? Go plant-based (all or part of the way) and help build excitement with others. Help nudge the transition (politely, of course), and show that your journey is positive and something to embrace, not a negative to be endured. 🙂
This is not an exhaustive list, by any stretch. Simply a starting point for discussion, as we each discern our individual and collective responses to what climate change calls us to do. Let’s embrace the positive aspects that come from change and see where a new path might lead us. 🙂
