Canadians produce much more than our share of greenhouse gases
Canada only accounts for only 0.5% of the world population, but we punch far above our weight when it comes to emitting greenhouse gases. On a per capita basis, Canadians emit ten times more than Nigerians, three times as much as the British and twice as much as the Chinese. We even emit about 11% more than Americans.
Looking at our privilege another way, if you earn more than about $40,000 per year, you are part of the world’s top 10% of polluters.
Our government and business leaders need to acknowledge this glaring inequity in their policies and priorities. But we as individuals need recognize that each of us is doing much more harm to the environment than most of the rest of the world. The following quote from Bloomberg Green after COP28, summarizes the situation nicely:
While the Dubai deal sends many positive signals, the future will be delivered by consumers, business and national governments and the world isn’t yet moving nearly fast enough.
Bloomberg Green
We citizens of the wealthiest countries need to step up! Now!
Each of us need to make informed and responsible decisions to reduce the amount of pollution we create. Examine all our activities and purchases in terms of their environmental impact. Put all our decisions through an environmental impact filter.
Here are some things we can do.
Reduce carbon emissions from transportation
This is a big one.
Long-term, we should be arranging our lives to minimize travel. This means living in places where most of the services we need are within walking distance. Move away from suburban or rural environments to inner city neighbourhoods. Live close to where we work, or work from home. Have our children walk or take their bike to school.
Walk, bike or use public transit. Consider car share services. Carpool instead of driving alone. If we still need a car, buy an electric vehicle (I can’t understand how someone would buy a car with an internal combustion engine with all the very good electric vehicles available). Only have one vehicle per household. Arrange your life to reduce the amount you drive.
Consider vacations closer to home. If you travel longer distances, take the train or bus instead of flying. Use telephone or video communications instead of travel. Don’t go on a cruise.
Transition to a plant-based diet
First, the low hanging fruit: quit eating beef. Make the transition to a plant-based diet, or, at the very least, reduce consumption of meat and dairy.
Don’t buy processed food. Buy sustainable seafood. Support local farmers and businesses that prioritize environmentally friendly practices.
Conserve resources
Reduce the amount of space you occupy.
Use energy-efficient appliances and light bulbs. Turn off lights and unplug electronic devices when not in use. Choose renewable energy sources if possible.
Reduce water consumption and fix plumbing leaks. Support water conservation initiatives.
Use reusable bags, containers, and water bottles. Choose products with minimal packaging. Reuse bags and other packaging.
Purchase fewer clothes and other products — always ask yourself ‘do I really need this?’. Choose products with a longer lifespan and minimal environmental impact. Buy second-hand goods.
Recycle and properly dispose of waste.
Support good causes and protest bad causes
Support political parties and leaders who prioritize the environment. The negative side of this is easy: don’t vote conservative since all conservative parties around the world seem to barely acknowledge a warming climate let alone make climate action a priority. However, it is harder to identify a political party that doesn’t seem to be owned by the fossil fuel lobby. In Canada, the Green Party may be a good choice, but can they get enough support to govern?
Advocate for policies that promote renewable energy. Invest in renewable energy companies.
Divest in companies that support fossil fuel companies and other environmental bad actors.
What else?
Can you add to my quick and incomplete list of actions to take to be a more responsible world citizen in the fight against the climate emergency and the biodiversity crisis?
Here are some tips for a lower carbon diet. Eat less meat. Substitute fish for meat. Eat more beans. Eat more nuts.
Why would someone who is buying a new car not buy an electric car? I just don’t get it.
My impression is that very few people consider their impact on the environment when they make purchasing decisions. It’s very disheartening.