Climate Response

How much Impact do I have?

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You might think that you, by yourself, have little impact on combating Climate Change. However, is this true?

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There are 2 main ways in which you contribute to Climate Change or to the fight against Climate Change:

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Direct Impact

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If you are currently sitting behind your own computer reading this article, you are likely part of the 10% richest people on this planet that have a very large Carbon Footprint:

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• If you have any money saved, a hobby that requires some equipment or supplies, a variety of clothes in your closet, two cars (in any condition), and live in your own home, you are in the top 5% of the world’s wealthy.

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• If you earn more than $50,000 annually, you are in the top 1% of the world’s income earners.

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A 2012 study, conducted by the research organisations CE Delft, Fraunhofer Institute for Systems and Innovation Research and LEI Wageningen confirm that even modest behavioral changes in the European Union alone can contribute to a reduction of 600 million tons of CO₂e/years (i.e. 320 000 wind turbines).

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Indirect Impact

 

 

Aside from the things that you consume directly, you can also influence the fight against Climate Change by making other actors do more.

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• Corporations: You can try to stimulate the company you work for to emit less GHG.
   

• Science & Technology: If you work in Science & Technology, you can search for more environmental friendly techniques that can be implemented. 
   

• Governments: Has the last person you voted for made a real difference on Climate Change? By voting for people that make Climate Change a priority, you can have an important impact on the commitments of your country in reducing GHG emission.