Who is responsible for climate change?
Who is responsible for climate change? That's a very good question, and there isn't exactly a clear answer. There are many things to consider. All we know is that climate change is a serious problem that is getting worse year after year.
Climate change is caused by human activity, which means that every multi-million dollar corporation, country, politician, upper-class family, and even every individual has played a role. From fossil fuel emissions from manufacturing plants to the thought of throwing your Starbucks cup on the street, we are all a little bit guilty of contributing to climate change.
This article is not intended to point fingers. Rather, it aims to encourage individual responsibility.
Fossil fuel companies and carbon emissions
When it comes to pointing the finger at those responsible for climate change, many would readily point the finger at large fossil fuel companies. The primary priority of fossil fuel companies is to extract oil, gas, and coal from the ground and then inject them back into our economy.
Oil and gas do more than just fuel our vehicles.
Oil and gas are much more a part of our daily lives than we realize. These raw materials can be used in everyday household products like deodorants, but they can even be used in MRI machines. Oil refining produces byproducts that are then used to manufacture plastics, lubricants, tars, and so on.
Did you know that baby products are even made from petroleum or gas by-products? This includes diapers, toys, and pacifiers.
In short, all this to say that the everyday products we consume are only made possible by oil and gas byproducts. Furthermore, gas is used to power our vehicles, and natural gas helps heat our homes. As consumers, we contribute to the demand for these products by purchasing them. Large fossil fuel companies are collectively responsible for two-thirds of total global greenhouse gas emissions. In retrospect, our economy benefits from the oil and gas they produce.
The future of energy
Okay, we now know that neither the buyer nor the seller should be blamed. But then what should we do? With the way we live, we are so dependent on oil and gas. But is there another alternative? Renewable energy may be the answer. Renewable energy is extracted from Earth's natural resources that are not exhaustible (like fossil fuels) and acts as an alternative to traditional energy sources. Wind and sunlight are two examples, but they can also include:
- Solar energy, which is derived from capturing radiant energy and then converting it into electricity, hot water, and heat. Solar energy, however, tends to be very expensive as an initial investment.
- The wind is captured by turbines and transformed into energy. However, it is difficult to harness wind energy anywhere other than in rural or remote areas.
- Hydropower is generated in both small- and large-scale operations using turbines or enormous dams. However, these can disrupt waterways.
- Biomass is organic matter – like wood in a fireplace. However, there is not much research on using biomass as an alternative energy source, and the technology is very basic.
The shift to alternative or renewable energy is a daunting concept that can lead to many difficult transitions, but it may be the way forward for the foreseeable future. Renewable energy is innovating every day and could very soon become the norm!
What you can do to fight climate change
We are all responsible for climate change, each in our own way, through what we buy, what we do, how we live, and so on. We buy the products that large corporations mass-produce. So, how can we fight climate change on our own, little by little? Climate change is a massive threat, and we desperately need to reduce our carbon pollution and prepare for global warming. There are a few simple ways to begin your fight against climate change.
Carpooling.
Carpooling or using public transportation can reduce the number of vehicles on the road and thus reduce your emissions by using less fuel. If you drive your children to school, drive your neighbors' children too, or swap them every other day of the week! Ride with colleagues or take the bus! Go for a bike ride if you feel like getting some extra exercise.
Learn more about green energy.
Switch to low-carbon or "green" electricity. You can ask your local electricity provider about your options.
Avoid "short trips".
When you go shopping, avoid making a trip to the mall just for one errand. Instead, wait until you have several different things to do to save yourself the extra miles. You can even combine trips with family members or friends.
Find out more.
One of the best ways to understand how you can reduce your carbon emissions is to learn more about their impact. Explore the WWF's work on climate change, watch a documentary with your loved ones, or contact various climate volunteer groups. We are all guilty of contributing to climate change, whether through the products we buy, the waste we produce, the places/lengths we drive, and much more. While it may seem like this is the only way to drive, it simply isn't! Rather, there are many other ways to switch to alternative energy, multi-use items, and consciously avoid increasing our carbon emissions as much as possible. Discover how Panda7 reduces its own carbon emissions by planting trees for every quote received and three for every policy purchased on our page Environment.