The “Power of People” study is being released by the citizen climate movement “Take The Jump.” It was conducted by researchers at the University of Leeds in partnership with specialists from the global engineering company Arup and the C40 Cities Climate Leadership Group.
“While the data indicates that governments and the corporate sector must play a significant role, our analysis also indicates that people and communities may make a significant impact,” adds Tom Bailey, co-founder of the “Take The Jump” initiative.
“Our study demonstrates that we all have critical responsibilities to play, from politicians to municipal and corporate leaders to everyday individuals. And it is apparent that there is plenty we can do individually, and that this is one of the simplest and fastest places to begin,” says Ben Smith, Arup’s director of climate change and the analysis’s lead author.
Therefore, are you willing to participate by adopting one or more of these lifestyle changes?
Today, make five eco-friendly lifestyle adjustments.
1. Consume a mostly plant-based diet and reduce waste
According to some estimates, the production of meat and animal products accounts for around 15% of worldwide greenhouse gas emissions. In this context, lowering meat consumption is critical for combating climate change.
According to the “Power of People” research, combining the battle against food waste with the adoption of a largely plant-based diet would enable North American and European nations to achieve “12% of the total savings required” to meet the Paris Agreement’s objectives (i.e., to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by at least 40 per cent by 2030).
2. Rethink trips and cut down on air travel
Air travel is widely acknowledged as the dirtiest means of transport. According to the French Agency for Ecological Transition, it is expected to be 45 times more polluting than the train (Ademe). With this in mind, the research suggests that leisure trips be reduced to one short-haul journey every three years and one long-haul travel every eight years, to the extent practicable.
Leisure air travel is increasingly being questioned as a part of our daily life, particularly among young people. According to a recent Greenpeace study, 53% of French young people said they never or very seldom travel for pleasure.
3. Minimize new clothes purchases.
From garment rental and secondhand purchases to virtual apparel, eco-conscious fashion practises are gaining traction. Consumers’ options for escaping the fast-fashion business are growing in number. “By limiting new clothes purchases to three, maximum eight articles, we may achieve 6% of the total savings required,” the research predicts.
4. Give up your own automobile (or refrain from purchasing another)
Do you know that automobile you drive three times a year but still pay a lot in insurance? If you reside in a city with adequate public transportation, or if your coworkers and/or friends are willing to join you on a carpool adventure, it may be time to give up personal automobile ownership.
“For those who can, lowering car ownership and, if feasible, completely eliminating personal vehicle ownership, would provide 2% of the total savings required by 2030,” the report adds.
5. Maintain electronic gadgets for a minimum of seven years
Are you anticipating the arrival of the new iPhone SE 5G? We understand. It’s difficult to expect you to continue using your existing outmoded smartphone at a time when technology is advancing at a breakneck pace. What if, in these instances, you compensate by extending the life of your other equipment (refrigerator, microwave oven, tablets, and PCs, for example)?
“By extending the life of gadgets and appliances by at least seven years, we can achieve the required 3% savings,” the report asserts.
