It’s Earth Day! Here’s How To Minimize Your Carbon Footprint

Your Carbon Footprint and the Sustainable Development Goals

When it comes to the concept of a “carbon footprint,” it is important to understand its implications in the context of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). The SDGs are a set of global goals adopted by the United Nations to address various social, economic, and environmental challenges, including climate change. By focusing on the SDGs, we can better understand how our individual actions contribute to the broader sustainability agenda.

Understanding the Origins of the Carbon Footprint

The idea of a “carbon footprint” was popularized in 2004 by a PR firm hired by British Petroleum. Its purpose was to shift the responsibility for climate change from corporations to individuals. However, it is crucial to recognize that individual actions alone cannot solve the climate crisis. Meaningful change requires significant policy shifts at the state, national, and international levels.

That being said, it is still important for individuals to take action and reduce their negative impact on the environment. This Earth Day, let’s explore how our choices in activities like rock climbing can contribute to climate change and what steps we can take to mitigate our carbon footprint.

Carbon Emissions and Climbing

When it comes to rock climbing, different disciplines have varying impacts on climate change. According to a 2021 thesis by Reuben Savage from Middle Tennessee State University, roped climbing disciplines emit more carbon dioxide equivalent per year compared to bouldering. This is primarily due to the larger quantity of gear required for roped climbing.

One significant contributor to carbon emissions in climbing is the production of rock shoes. The manufacturing process of rock shoes emits a substantial amount of carbon dioxide equivalent per year. Therefore, one simple step we can take is to resole our shoes instead of buying new ones. Additionally, considering buying used apparel and upcycling retired gear can further reduce our environmental impact. It is also worth considering purchasing bluesign certified products, which adhere to strict environmental and social standards.

Traveling to Climb: The Carbon Footprint

One area where climbers significantly contribute to their carbon footprint is through travel. Regional car travel emits more carbon compared to staying local, while cross-country travel has an even higher carbon footprint. However, the most significant impact comes from flying. A one-way flight from New York City to Kathmandu, Nepal, emits a staggering amount of carbon dioxide equivalent per passenger.

While it is essential to recognize the emissions associated with climbing activities, it is worth noting that carbon emissions from rock climbing make up only a small percentage of an individual’s overall carbon footprint. According to Savage’s findings, rock climbing contributes to approximately 2% of the average American’s annual emissions. Therefore, it is crucial to focus on reducing emissions in other areas of our lives as well.

Inspiration: 3 Eco-Friendly Climbing Trips

Many climbers have taken steps to promote climate-friendly climbing travel. These efforts often involve avoiding the use of cars and opting for more sustainable modes of transportation, such as cycling or public transport. Here are three inspiring examples:

1. Sébastien Berthe’s Trans-Atlantic Sail

In 2022, Belgian climber Sébastien Berthe sailed nearly 6,000 miles from Spain to Mexico to attempt the Dawn Wall. While he may not have succeeded in his climb, his journey showcased a commitment to climate-friendly travel.

2. Honnold and Caldwell Pedal and Sail to Alaska

Alex Honnold and Tommy Caldwell embarked on a trip from Colorado to Alaska, traveling by bicycle and sailboat. This adventure demonstrated the possibilities of sustainable travel while enjoying the sport of climbing.

3. Cycling Around the World to Climb For Eight Years?

Adam and Noémie from @smallworldonabike have been cycling around the world since 2016, combining their passion for climbing with a commitment to reducing their carbon footprint. Their journey serves as a remarkable example of long-term sustainable travel.

Five Ways You Can Fight Climate Change

While individual actions alone cannot solve the climate crisis, they play a crucial role in creating a more sustainable future. Here are five additional steps you can take to fight climate change:

1. Use the “chilli” App

The environmental action app called “chilli” connects you with global environmental campaigns and provides simple daily tasks to support them. By completing these tasks, such as sending emails, signing petitions, and engaging on social media, you can contribute to climate change mitigation efforts.

2. Sign Up for Climeworks Carbon Capture

Consider supporting companies like Climeworks that use direct air capture technology to remove carbon dioxide from the atmosphere. By subscribing to their carbon capture services, you can actively contribute to negative emissions and support innovative solutions to combat climate change.

3. Save or Invest Sustainably

Choose sustainable banking options or invest in sustainable funds that prioritize renewable energy and environmentally conscious practices. By aligning your financial choices with sustainability goals, you can support businesses working towards a lower-carbon future.

4. Educate Yourself

Explore reliable resources like Project Drawdown, which provides a catalog of technologies and practices that can help mitigate climate change. By staying informed and taking action based on reliable information, you can make a positive impact.

5. Vote

Support political candidates who prioritize climate change mitigation and environmental protection. By participating in elections and advocating for candidates who align with your values, you can contribute to policy changes at various levels of government.

Staying Out of the Pits

Reducing our carbon footprint can sometimes feel overwhelming, but it’s important to find a balance between guilt and despair. While individual actions alone may not solve the climate crisis, every effort counts. Listen to your gut and do what you can, when you can. Remember that even small changes can make a difference, and by aligning our actions with the Sustainable Development Goals, we can contribute to a more sustainable future for all.

SDGs, Targets, and Indicators

1. Which SDGs are addressed or connected to the issues highlighted in the article?

• SDG 13: Climate Action
• SDG 12: Responsible Consumption and Production
• SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities
• SDG 7: Affordable and Clean Energy
• SDG 9: Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure
• SDG 15: Life on Land

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
• Target 12.5: By 2030, substantially reduce waste generation through prevention, reduction, recycling, and reuse
• Target 11.6: By 2030, reduce the adverse per capita environmental impact of cities, including by paying special attention to air quality and municipal and other waste management
• Target 7.2: By 2030, increase substantially the share of renewable energy in the global energy mix
• Target 9.4: By 2030, upgrade infrastructure and retrofit industries to make them sustainable, with increased resource-use efficiency and greater adoption of clean and environmentally sound technologies and industrial processes
• Target 15.2: By 2020, promote the implementation of sustainable management of all types of forests, halt deforestation, restore degraded forests, and substantially increase afforestation and reforestation globally

3. Are there any indicators mentioned or implied in the article that can be used to measure progress towards the identified targets?

The article mentions several actions and practices that can contribute to progress towards the identified targets, but specific indicators are not mentioned. These indicators would measure the extent to which waste generation is reduced, renewable energy is increased, infrastructure is upgraded and industries are retrofitted, and sustainable forest management is implemented.

4. SDGs, Targets and Indicators