Global warming: Does it matter what I do?

The climate crisis is one of the greatest challenges of our time, but it also presents an opportunity. Many people feel apathy and uncertainty, asking themselves, "Does what I do really make a difference?" The answer is a resounding yes!

Structural changes and personal responsibility 

Although individuals alone are not responsible for saving the world's climate and nature, we heavily depend on consumers making conscious choices. Doing so shows politicians and businesses that we desire sustainable solutions and are willing to adopt them.

As Norwegians, we are among the world's largest consumers, and our overconsumption contributes to global emissions. Our actions at home play a significant role, as we need to co-create lifestyles that align with the planet's limits. If everyone lived as we do, we would need 3.6 planets. We only have one.

Consumption-based greenhouse gas emissions

When we purchase goods and services, it leads to emissions both in Norway and elsewhere in the world. It is becoming increasingly common for municipalities, counties, and countries to measure what is known as consumption-based greenhouse gas emissions, often shown as an average carbon footprint per capita.

By measuring consumption-based emissions, we can compare ourselves with our neighbours, between municipalities, counties, and countries. In other words, we will be able to learn from each other and quickly reduce our consumption-based emissions. Personal choices at home and in the workplace will greatly impact how swiftly this transition occurs. And surely, you don't want to live in a less sustainable neighbourhood or municipality?

Two-thirds of global emissions come directly from our consumption. This means that we, as consumers, have significant power to drive change. Analyses from the United Nations' Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) show that:

“Actions that reduce or change individual demand can cut emissions by 40-70% by 2050.”

What is your consumption-based carbon footprint?

It can be uplifting and motivating to see how much you can reduce your footprint by changing simple habits. While the government and companies must take responsibility, we can all contribute by shifting our consumption in a sustainable direction. By changing our habits and demands, we will inspire others to do the same. This, in turn, will reduce global greenhouse gas emissions and increase the demand for sustainable goods and services.

What is your carbon footprint? How climate-friendly is your lifestyle compared to other Norwegians? Calculate your carbon footprint in our open and free footprint calculator!

What can you do to reduce your carbon footprint? 

First and foremost, use a carbon footprint calculator to see where you should cut back. This will give you an overview of which of your habits have the greatest and least impact on global greenhouse gas emissions.

Additionally, for more general advice
– here are three important tips from the World Economic Forum:

1. Eat more plant-based foods.
   Eat more greens and avoid beef. Cattle are the most carbon-intensive animals in the world, not only because of the methane they emit but also due to the deforestation required to create grazing land.

2. Fly Less.
   Did you know that a round-trip flight from London to Singapore would consume our entire carbon budget for a whole year based on the 2050 climate targets?

3. Ditch the Car.
   Living without a car has a much greater impact than driving an electric vehicle. Seek alternative low-carbon transportation options whenever possible.

Your choices and climate actions have an impact! 

At Ducky, we are passionate about inspiring you to make responsible choices that make a real difference for our planet. We know it can feel overwhelming, but your choices, no matter how small they may seem, do matter.

If you're not entirely convinced yet, check out the article “5 simple ways to reduce your carbon footprint” filled with climate change inspiration, examples, and data showing the impact of your actions.

How to inspire colleagues to live more sustainably

To help everyone understand the value of their own choices, we have developed the Ducky Challenge. Ducky Challenge makes daily climate actions easy, through gamification. Learn the impact of small and large climate-friendly choices in everyday life while competing in teams. Through team building and competition, climate education is wrapped in a playful form that people enjoy! 

Do you and your organisation want to try the Ducky Challenge?

Learn more about how the Ducky Challenge engages your employees here, or contact us at sofie@ducky.eco. I am here and would love to chat with you!