How can individuals make a difference?

Our journey to net zero – part 5

Despite substantial progress in the drive towards net zero, the global efforts to date are not sufficient to achieve the 2050 targets. Greenhouse gas emissions have been on the rise, with a temporary reduction during the Covid-19 pandemic in 2020, only to rebound in subsequent years. The current Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs), as defined under the Paris Agreement, fall short of limiting global warming to 1.5°C.

The shift to renewable energy is gaining momentum, with significant investments in wind, solar and other renewable sources. Nevertheless, fossil fuels still dominate our energy mix.

However, there are reasons for optimism:

• Reports suggest that the ozone layer could be restored within decades.
• The UK has successfully reduced its emissions by 43% compared to 1990 levels, advancing towards its goal of at least 80% reduction by 2050.
• Solar energy capacity has doubled in just 18 months.
• At the COP28 climate summit, 118 countries committed to tripling global renewable energy capacity by 2030. This initiative aims to decrease dependence on fossil fuels this decade, with plans to expand nuclear power, reduce methane emissions and limit private finance for coal power. Additionally, there are ambitions to double global energy efficiency and phase down unabated coal power by 2030.
• The EU saw a 4% drop in emissions at the end of the last year, despite economies continuing to expand.

The power of individual action

It’s easy to think that your efforts won’t make a significant impact. Yet, individual actions are crucial, as they lead to collective actions, which in turn drive systemic change. Research indicates that personal and household actions could account for approximately 25–30% of the total emissions reductions needed to prevent dangerous climate change.

On average, personal carbon footprints are primarily composed of emissions from how we power our homes, how we travel and the food we eat. Notably, animal products are responsible for more than half of food emissions, with significant contributions from beef and lamb. Reducing food waste, which accounts for roughly half of all global food system emissions, can also have a significant impact.

How we can reduce our carbon

Here are some practical measures we can take to reduce our carbon footprint:

• Follow a green diet by eating more plants while reducing meat and dairy consumption.
• Minimise food waste and opt for seasonal, less-packaged foods.
• Increase reliance on walking, cycling, public transport and car-sharing.
• Commit to taking fewer flights.
• Choose sustainable fashion over fast fashion.
• Improve home energy efficiency through insulation, switching to LED lighting and optimising heating settings (e.g. reducing heating to 19°C and boiler temperature to 55°C).
• Invest in renewable home energy solutions like solar panels and heat pumps.
• Boil only the necessary amount of water and use lids on saucepans – this saves up to 90% energy.

Leveraging our financial influence

Divestment from fossil fuels is a significant step individuals can take by withdrawing any investments from companies involved in fossil fuel extraction. This is part of a broader ethical investment movement aimed at influencing corporate behaviour towards sustainability.

Advocating for change

To push for broader systemic change, here are some more actions we can take:

• Divest pensions and investment – a measure 21 times more effective than other personal actions.
• Switch to a more ethical bank.
• Engage in active lobbying, asking our MPs to back initiatives that prioritise the planet, such as the Climate & Nature Bill, the Fossil Fuel Non-Proliferation Treaty and ClientEarth.

Change often requires political will, and without public and political pressure, significant progress is unlikely. By taking individual actions, advocating for policy changes and making informed financial decisions, everyone has the power to make a difference in the fight against climate change.