Is there anything we can do?
It’s simple – we need to cut down on the amount of greenhouse gases going into the atmosphere. We need to become carbon neutral. People have already started taking steps to achieve this:
Governments realise that climate change is a global issue and they need to work together. So far 189 countries have formally accepted the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change. This agreement instructs the governments to record and report on the amount of greenhouse gases they produce. It also instructs them to develop climate change strategies to reduce these.
You may have heard of the Kyoto Protocol, which started in 1997 in Japan. This was where the governments set themselves targets to cut their emissions of greenhouse gases. This focuses on industrialised nations like ours as we are the ones who need to make the biggest cuts. It sends out a powerful message that the majority of the industrialised nations are committed to doing something about climate change
Industry has a lot of work to do as it is one of the highest contributors to emissions. They are starting to understand that by taking action they are not only protecting the environment but gaining the trust of their customers, saving money and giving them more competitive advantages over other suppliers.
On a much smaller scale, but equally important, communities and local councils are facilitating activities which help cut emissions. From new recycling schemes to improving public transport, alternative energy schemes to community green spaces.
Individuals, us… we all have a role to play.
