OK, we’re all worried about global warming. But what can a lone, concerned citizen do? Good question.
The answer, according to climate scientists, is more than you might think. But first a reality check: Everyone has to understand and accept that whatever we do today is an investment in the future – we will probably not make a noticeable difference to global warming in our lifetimes. That’s because global warming is like a freight train that’s been building momentum for about 150 years. It can’t stop on a dime. Rather, it will take many decades, if not centuries, to slow or reverse the trend. Taking action means adopting a much longer view than most people, corporations and governments are in the habit of doing. It also means being aware of the different forms of energy we use and where it comes from.
"I’m very interested in the planetary effects of everything I do," says climate researcher and avid bicycle commuter Gidon Eshel of the University of Chicago. Eshel is a firm believer in the power of the individual to make a difference. "Governments are shying away from taking bold action," which means it’s really up to the people to do what is necessary for future generations," he says.
But it’s not all gain through pain. There happen to be some great benefits to the people of industrialized nations – where most carbon gases are released – who change their lifestyles to emit less carbon.
Switch Motors>>Riding a bicycle, walking, carpooling, combining trips, telecommuting or buying a more efficient car remain some of the most direct ways almost anyone can cut their fossil fuel use and greenhouse emissions. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) estimates that by leaving a car at home just two days each week, the average commuter can reduce their annual carbon emissions by 1,590 pounds. Switching from a gas guzzler to a car that gets 32 miles per gallon can reduce carbon emissions by 5,600 pounds per year, according to the EPA.
Of course, there are some immediate and perfectly selfish side benefits to these actions. Bicycling or walking are great for overall health, so long as they are done in a safe manner. It’s also vastly cheaper to walk, ride or carpool than to drive yourself: less gas to buy and less wear and tear on the car. Some people who spend time on a treadmill at a gym might even save themselves time and membership fees by melding their workout with their commute.
Most cities have designated routes for bikers and walkers. If they don’t, there’s nothing stopping any citizen from starting the process. A good place to begin is with local bicycle shop owners, who have a financial incentive to have designated bike routes.
For those who cannot get to their workplace by bike or foot, there is, of course, public transportation. These now include burgeoning Park & Ride systems in exurban areas, trains and buses. All get more bang for their carbon emissions than a person driving alone in a car.
Eat Greener>>A less obvious lifestyle change that has a big effect on carbon emissions is diet. According to a recently published study by Eshel and his colleague Pamela Martin, the carbon emission difference between an all vegetable-based diet vs. a typical American diet – which includes ample meat and dairy products – is about the same as the difference between driving an SUV vs. a small sedan.
"Of the total U.S. greenhouse gas footprint, agriculture is one of the top five players," said Eshel.
The fossil fuels and carbon emissions involved in farming, transporting, processing and distributing food is enormous, said Eshel. Also, because it takes 10 times as much energy to grow a pound of beef than to grow a pound of corn, it’s a lot more efficient for humans to eat the vegetables directly, when possible.
It’s not necessary to become a vegetarian to make a difference. Just reducing the amount of meat or animal products eaten every week can chip away at your personal carbon emissions.
"If you scale it up, it’s actually a big thing," says climate researcher David Battisti of the University of Washington, of the effect of millions of people making small dietary changes. "There is a real issue here."
Plus, of course, there are ample well-documented health benefits of diets rich in fruits and vegetables.
Smarter Homes>>Then, of course, there is that pernicious monthly energy bill: heating and cooling your home. What to do about that? Tons, according to the EPA. Aside from just turning down the thermostat in winter and up in summer, homeowners can invest in renewable energy systems, like solar hot water that can be connected to your existing hot water heater to cut that large portion of your energy bill. There is even a new federal tax credit for installing such systems.
Aside from renewable energy, almost any house can be made more efficient by replacing old appliances with energy efficient models and those incandescent light bulbs with new fluorescent bulbs that use a fraction of the electricity and last many times longer. There are also "hidden loads" in your house – appliances that gobble up electricity even when they are not in use. Televisions and computers, for instance, can be unplugged or otherwise cut off from electricity to save power and money.
Get Active>>Finally, people can push for changes at all levels of government. That’s where the greatest strides are needed the most and where changes can have the greatest global effect, says climate researcher Gavin Schmidt of the Goddard Institute of Space Studies in New York. Already many towns, cities, counties and states across the U.S. are taking matters into their own hands and tackling initiatives on which they feel the federal government has been too slow to act.
"Stay politically active and aware of the issues," suggests Gavin. "Try to encourage your local energy producers to use more renewables."
Who knows, you may not only save the planet, but live long enough, perhaps, for some future generation to tell you "Thanks."