If British Airways can do it, so can I...

I never thought I would look to British Airways for climate change inspiration. Well in actual fact, I wouldn't say they are my raison d'etre right now either, but it was interesting to see that as I embark on a quest to cut my own carbon footprint so too are the airlines. The aviation industry is urging the UN to include a proposal to cut airline emissions by 50% for 2050. It comes on the back of pressure for the industry to introduce reforms, something that was not included as part of the Kyoto protocol. BA's Chief Exec Willie Walsh stated, that their proposal represented  "a chance to rectify that omission" (see article).

It is pretty clear that this is a preemptive move to prevent higher taxes being levied on the industry. If the end result is a reduction in overall emissions being produced by the worlds' airlines however, should that be of concern? (A topic for another blog perhaps). What has got me thinking is the correlation to the individual. We too were not included in the Kyoto protocol. Our countries were of course, but me, Yu-Wen-Cho, and Dajana Lueppker were not. What then is our role in all this? Is it that we wait for our political and business leaders to come up with a set of plans that we hope will do the job? What if those plans include changes we wouldn't particularly welcome - further taxes on transport or food for instance? We too should think about introducing changes before we're subjected to heavy handed legislation. It would at least make the transition easier. 

Of course, as opposed to the airlines we can't pass the cost onto anyone else. That said, many carbon reduction activities also translate into savings - driving a smaller car, buying secondhand, using less electricity and gas, changing your light bulbs, walking more, eating less red meat. In fact, it seems clear that by reducing your footprint, you can also reduce your outgoings. Something that a lot of people could benefit from at the moment.

Anyhow, I am now looking at my current efforts as a preemptive strike. Surely real change can't be brought about if the 6945538785 (and rapidly counting)  inhabitants of this planet go about their business in the same way. (Go check out the population counter if you want a visual reminder of just how quickly we're multiplying!) Whether you think you should have to make changes or not is beside the point really, the reality is that you will have to do something at some stage - and you can either do it voluntarily or by force. I'm choosing the voluntary route...

So Day 2, how am I going? Well, yesterday got off to a rather good start actually. Instead of running on my treadmill for an hour (which I assume must burn a fair about of electricity) I decided to go for a jog outside. Aside from the fact I forgot to take water and nearly collapsed of dehydration after 7km, it was really rather pleasant being among nature rather than in my spare room. It did occur to me that if people were to turn to free outdoor activities (running, walking, hiking, biking) they could save themselves the cost of gym memberships, exercise equipment and class fees and make a decent cut to their carbon emissions. Of course this isn't a radical revelation, but it is worthwhile realising that it is possible to make some fairly simple changes in your life that are not only of benefit to you but for the environment. And win-win has to be a good thing doesn't it!

Aside from my run, I made sure to switch off every light except for the room I was in. I decided not to go into town. I turned all my appliances off standby. Oh, and I've also decided to buy a bike so that I can cut down on my car trips to the train station, shops etc. etc. Rather than going out and buying a brand spanking new bike imported from Asia however, I am bidding on a second hand mountain bike on ebay (please no attempts to outbid me!). I figure I not only save the emissions on a new bike, but it's also lots cheaper - and I just have to pick it up from someone local. Check, check and check!

So all in all I am feeling positive about the initial steps I've made. Now I just need to look for more inspiration... the cement industry perhaps?

Oh my, what big feet you have...

Having returned from the Th!nk2 launch in Copenhagen last night, and with Climate Change at the forefront of my mind, I decided to check my carbon footprint. A simple means (I thought) to confirm my part in the valiant effort to safeguard the survival of humankind. To my horror, it turns out my feet are rather larger than I'd expected. No strike that, they are veritably enormous. I am the Godzilla of carbon. Just how big are we talking here folks... well it seems I've clocked up a whopping 10.98 tonnes in the last year (give or take a few kilograms). And that is just for household energy, appliances and travel. Nothing to do with food consumption, purchases or any number of other things.

While this admission may provoke a few gasps of horror out there in cyberspace, more than likely most of you are thinking "so what?".

A little perspective perhaps.

According to ACT ON CO2, which is where I calculated said footprint, the national average for this calculation is 4.46 tonnes. So essentially I'm living a double life - and not a sexy, 007 type thing either. While it's not a revelation that would keep most people awake at night -  I'm telling you, it's put a cold sweat on my brow. Why? Well the problem is (cue acute blushing) I consider myself er... herm to be rather sound on the green credentials. I did afterall volunteer on an emissions reduction project at my previous company, I am examining carbon emissions as part of my PhD, I do wax lyrical on the necessity of doing something about climate change, and I have just signed up to a blogging competition on this very same topic. Yes, the problem is, the very, very big problem is, I'm a hypocrite.

The shocking revelation of my carbon gluttony has definitely pulled me up short. As my friend Jo put it, nothing is more irritating than someone standing on a soapbox while simultaneously flouting the same ideals they're espousing. I'd have to agree. So where does that leave me? Well it's clear that some changes are needed - some rather drastic ones. And so here it is, with 75 days left to COP15 I've decided to dedicate the next three months to investigating, examining, reforming and refining my nasty habits in a bid to cut my carbon footprint to below the national average. The reality is, if someone who actually believes that climate change is a serious threat can't make the necessary changes to their lifestyle, who can?

The question is, how far will I be prepared to go? Am I willing to go without my usual appliances? Is getting stuff off freecycle an option I'd consider? Can I stomach the thought of eating raw and local? Will it seem worth it when I'm walking to the station in the pouring rain? And more crucially am I prepared to (gulp) give up my beloved traveling? The goal here is not simply personal redemption, I want to genuinely understand what changes an average individual can make to their carbon footprint without drastically altering the way they live. No moving into a wigwam in the middle of the Devon, no giving up of trips into the big city and certainly no growing of vegetables in the front yard.

I'll keep you posted...