Confronted with so vast a problem as global warming, it is easy for individuals to feel that they are powerless to act. The major producers of greenhouse gases - power generation, transport, industry and agriculture - all appear too autonomous and remote to be influenced by us. So can we make a difference?
The reality is that we are all consumers, customers of these heavily polluting industries and we can exercise our influence by the decisions we make in our everyday lives. By developing a conscious awareness of the implications of our choices we can not only reduce our own carbon dependency, but also contribute to the collective good. Simple measures like insulating our homes, using low energy light bulbs and recycling our waste, make a real contribution and will often bring financial rewards in terms of lower energy bills. Generating our own power with a wind turbine or solar panels is not a realistic option for most people, but many energy producers are beginning to offer green power options. As these become increasingly popular the income they generate will help to raise this as yet small sector to greater prominence.
Transport is responsible for 14% of the world's greenhouse gas emissions and its importance reflects the choices we as consumers make. On an individual level, choosing public transport or cycling rather than using a car, helps to reduce the volume of CO² as well as other atmospheric pollution. Cutting back or even eliminating our use of air travel, can also be a major contribution – a round trip for two people between Europe and America produces the equivalent of four tonnes of CO².
As informed consumers we can also make positive choices about the products and food we buy. Locally sourced produce has a smaller carbon footprint than products that have been flown in from another country. Supermarkets are sensitive to their customers buying habits and if more people turn to products that have green credentials, then they will reflect this in the choices they make as buyers. Other consumer products can also be chosen for their energy efficiency – electrical goods that don't have to be left on standby power, fridges that have low energy ratings, and hybrid or electrically powered cars. The more discerning we are as consumers, the greater will be the influence on the manufactures to factor in environmental considerations.
We are all involved in the future of our planet and the choices we make as individuals can have a real impact on global warming. But most importantly of all, our attitudes ultimately determine the character of the countries in which we live and their degree of commitment to combating this grave problem on the international stage.
