This Climate Week, it is now more important than ever to think about what we are doing to help tackle the climate change crisis. Climate change is one of the biggest threats to mankind, if we don’t act now we might be too late.
There is an increasing worry that if we don’t make changes now to tackle climate change that its effects will be irreversible and will leave long lasting devastating consequences for generations to come.
Scotland’s Climate week is an annual event running from September 26 through to October 3 is aimed to raise awareness of the global climate emergency and encourage climate action across the country.
What is Scotland doing to help tackle climate change?
Scotland was one of the first nations to declare a global climate emergency in April 2019. As part of a global effort Scotland is aiming to become ‘Net Zero’ by 2045, five years ahead of the rest of the UK.
However, this change can only be made if everyone makes changes together.
What is ‘Net Zero’?
This means the amount of greenhouse gas emissions put into the air and the amount Scotland is able to take out will add up to zero. Carbon offsetting such as planting trees or using technology like carbon capture and storage can help Scotland reach net zero.
COP26 Outcomes
Last year, the COP26 conference was held in Glasgow. COP26 brought together leaders around the world to set up global action to solve the climate crisis.
In February this year, bus travel was made free to under 22s. This was implemented after research commissioned by Transport Scotland showed almost two thirds of young Scots agreed that access to public transport would play a central role in the fight against climate change.
As well as this, Scotland also committed over £100 million pounds towards cleaner energy, proposal to more than double Scotland’s onshore wind capacity by 2030 and much more.
What can you do to help Scotland reach ‘Net Zero’?
It is hard to believe that individual changes can move Scotland towards net zero. If everyone makes even the smallest of changes to their lifestyles, together we can help Scotland reach their target.
Here are a few changes you can make:
- Reduce food waste
- Improve household energy efficiency
- Reduce, reuse, recycle
- Use public transport
- Switch to electric vehicle
With the current cost of living crisis, making some of these changes will be beneficial. Reducing food waste will make households shop more consciously and use up what is in the fridge which in turn save them money.
It does matter if you make one change or many changes to your lifestyle, if we all tackle climate change together we can make a difference.
Read more about what you can do here: https://www.netzeronation.scot/take-action
Feature Image Credit: Net Zero
Lifestyle Editor / Third year journalism student
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