Friday, 4th December 2009
Countdown to Copenhagen
Attitudes towards recycling and energy saving fluctuate between work and home according to research out last week (Tickbox.net/Opinion Matters).
40% of those surveyed said they recycled plastics at home but not at work, with women most to blame. Unnecessary printing of emails (21%) was another poor workplace practice.
The fact that Brits are happy to recycle and save energy at home but not at work highlights the need for more education on recycling schemes and the simple measures that can be taken to save energy at home and at work.
We have a huge battle on our hands as we try to address the bigger climate change issues, but it is vital we all understand that individually we each have an important role to play.
Perthshire is home to some of Europe’s most outstanding woodlands. On the shores of Loch Tay is Scotland’s only eco-heritage centre. And businesses in the area have made a significant effort to operate under VisitScotland’s Green Tourism Business Scheme. Such commitment is commendable.
Yet, there is more that we as individuals can do. We can think more about sustainable methods of transport including cycling, walking and consider wider initiatives like car sharing. We can replace our old incandescent light bulbs with low energy bulbs and not overfill the kettle. We can re-use plastic bags and turn taps off when brushing our teeth.
Climate change is very much at the heart of the political agenda and in a couple of weeks hundreds of politicians will head to Copenhagen for the United Nations Climate Change conference to agree a new treaty.
The whole point of Copenhagen, of setting climate change targets, is to protect our children’s futures. I have thrown down the gauntlet to politicians calling for a firm commitment to reduce carbon emissions and ensure we do not continue to destroy our planet.
Earlier this month - Global Carbon Project - a group of scientists reported a 2% increase in emissions during 2008, despite a concerted effort to tackle these trends.
Scotland has the opportunity to lead the way in setting the climate change agenda and reducing our carbon footprint. Our natural resources could generate over a quarter of the EU’s wind, wave and tidal power.
The European Union will also play an important role in December’s debate. In addition to the European Parliament’s Climate and Energy Package targets by 2020, the EU has agreed to curb global emissions from planes and ships by 10% and 20% respectively over the next decade.
We must also give greater consideration to the vast swathes of global rainforest destroyed each year, with 25% of all CO2 emissions annually coming from deforestation. Power plants are the worst culprits generating 26.6% of all CO2 emissions.
There has been a lot of noise recently about the Copenhagen summit and I’m sure there will be plenty more in weeks to come. We must ensure action is taken and that an ambitious yet achievable plan is agreed.
