How to reduce your carbon footprint
The top ways to reduce your impact on the environment WMUR Manchester
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Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and Individual Actions to Reduce Carbon Footprint
Climate pessimism is a very real and understandable feeling which leaves people feeling hopeless and frustrated about the state of the climate crisis. However, instead of wallowing in feelings of disenfranchisement, there are several individual actions that can be taken to reduce an individual’s negative effect on the environment.
The Speed and Seriousness of Climate Change
The evidence of the speed and seriousness of climate change is without doubt. The last ten years have been the hottest on record, with 2023 being the warmest. The level of CO2 in the atmosphere has increased by 150% since pre-industrial levels, according to NASA.
Measuring Impact: Carbon Footprint
One way to measure the impact of an individual or entity’s actions is through a carbon footprint. A carbon footprint is the total amount of greenhouse gases produced by said individual or entity. The United States has a large carbon footprint, creating 11% of the world’s carbon emissions in 2022 and has historically emitted more emissions than any other country. Carbon footprint is highly linked to wealth and inequality, with the richest in the world contributing the most to climate change. Between 1990 and 2015, the richest 10% of the world accounted for more than half of the world’s emissions, and the top 1% pumped out 15% of the world’s emissions.
Individual Actions to Reduce Carbon Footprint
Individual actions and small changes to lifestyles can be made that will reduce a person’s carbon footprint. However, not all adjustments are equally effective and with so many options, it can be confusing choosing which lifestyle changes will be the most beneficial to the environment.
According to a study in Science, the three most impactful and most recommended actions to reduce carbon footprint were:
- Having fewer children: In a developed country, having just one fewer child saves a whopping 58.6T of emissions.
- Taking fewer flights, especially long-haul: Deciding not to take a transatlantic flight per year saves 1.6T of emissions.
- Living car-free: Living car-free saves 2.4T of emissions.
Other impactful changes include:
- Eating a plant-based diet
- Powering your home on green energy
- Investing in making your home more energy efficient through smart meters and insulation
The Power of Individual Actions
While there is healthy debate surrounding the power of individual actions as opposed to sweeping government or corporate change, individuals do hold power to reduce their emissions, especially those from wealthy countries which contribute disproportionately to the problem. Taking changes to reduce individual carbon footprints can negate climate pessimism and help people feel better about doing their part to solve the problem.
SDGs, Targets, and Indicators
| SDGs | Targets | Indicators |
|---|---|---|
| SDG 13: Climate Action | Target 13.2: Integrate climate change measures into national policies, strategies, and planning | Indicator not mentioned in the article |
| Target 13.3: Improve education, awareness-raising, and human and institutional capacity on climate change mitigation, adaptation, impact reduction, and early warning | Indicator not mentioned in the article | |
| Target 13.1: Strengthen resilience and adaptive capacity to climate-related hazards and natural disasters in all countries | Indicator not mentioned in the article | |
| SDG 10: Reduced Inequalities | Target 10.4: Adopt policies, especially fiscal, wage, and social protection policies, and progressively achieve greater equality | Indicator not mentioned in the article |
| Target 10.1: By 2030, progressively achieve and sustain income growth of the bottom 40% of the population at a rate higher than the national average | Indicator not mentioned in the article | |
| Target 10.2: By 2030, empower and promote the social, economic, and political inclusion of all, irrespective of age, sex, disability, race, ethnicity, origin, religion, or economic or other status | Indicator not mentioned in the article | |
| SDG 7: Affordable and Clean Energy | Target 7.2: Increase substantially the share of renewable energy in the global energy mix by 2030 | Indicator not mentioned in the article |
| Target 7.3: Double the global rate of improvement in energy efficiency by 2030 | Indicator not mentioned in the article | |
| SDG 12: Responsible Consumption and Production | Target 12.8: By 2030, ensure that people everywhere have the relevant information and awareness for sustainable development and lifestyles in harmony with nature | Indicator not mentioned in the article |
| Target 12.5: By 2030, substantially reduce waste generation through prevention, reduction, recycling, and reuse | Indicator not mentioned in the article |
1. Which SDGs are addressed or connected to the issues highlighted in the article?
SDG 13: Climate Action
The article discusses the state of the climate crisis and the need for individual actions to reduce negative effects on the environment. It highlights the increase in CO2 levels, the impact of greenhouse gases, and the importance of reducing carbon footprints. These issues align with SDG 13, which focuses on taking urgent action to combat climate change and its impacts.
SDG 10: Reduced Inequalities
The article mentions the link between carbon footprint and wealth inequality, stating that the richest individuals contribute the most to climate change. This connection between wealth and carbon emissions relates to SDG 10, which aims to reduce inequalities within and among countries.
SDG 7: Affordable and Clean Energy
While not explicitly mentioned in the article, the recommendation to power homes with green energy aligns with SDG 7, which promotes access to affordable, reliable, sustainable, and modern energy for all.
SDG 12: Responsible Consumption and Production
The article discusses lifestyle changes that can reduce carbon footprints, such as adopting a plant-based diet and investing in energy-efficient homes. These actions relate to SDG 12, which focuses on promoting sustainable consumption and production patterns.
2. What specific targets under those SDGs can be identified based on the article’s content?
Target 13.2: Integrate climate change measures into national policies, strategies, and planning
The article emphasizes the need for individual actions to reduce carbon footprints. However, it also acknowledges the importance of government and corporate changes. This aligns with the target of integrating climate change measures into national policies, strategies, and planning.
Target 10.4: Adopt policies, especially fiscal, wage, and social protection policies, and progressively achieve greater equality
The article highlights the connection between wealth inequality and carbon emissions. To address this issue, adopting policies that promote greater equality can help reduce carbon footprints.
Target 7.2: Increase substantially the share of renewable energy in the global energy mix by 2030
The recommendation to power homes with green energy aligns with the target of increasing the share of renewable energy in the global energy mix.
Target 12.8: By 2030, ensure that people everywhere have the relevant information and awareness for sustainable development and lifestyles in harmony with nature
The article emphasizes the importance of individuals making informed choices to reduce their carbon footprints. This aligns with the target of ensuring that people have relevant information and awareness for sustainable development and lifestyles.
3. Are there any indicators mentioned or implied in the article that can be used to measure progress towards the identified targets?
Unfortunately, the article does not mention or imply any specific indicators that can be used to measure progress towards the identified targets.
Behold! This splendid article springs forth from the wellspring of knowledge, shaped by a wondrous proprietary AI technology that delved into a vast ocean of data, illuminating the path towards the Sustainable Development Goals. Remember that all rights are reserved by SDG Investors LLC, empowering us to champion progress together.
Source: wmur.com
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