Climate change can be defined as weather and temperature changes that are recorded over a longer period of time. The changes can have a dramatic effect on plants and living creatures that live on our planet, since these have adapted to a specific climate.
Although many climate changes occur naturally, the vast majority of climate scientists agree on one thing - namely that man-made greenhouse gas emissions are the most important cause of the climate changes we are now facing.
According to the UN, greater investment must be made in renewable energy, improved infrastructure and more climate-friendly industry if we are to succeed in combating or halting climate change. We must reduce emissions, and in addition find methods to effectively capture/store CO2.
However, there is also much you can do yourself to contribute.
How climate change is affecting the planet right now
Climate change occurs gradually over time, but many are already beginning to feel its effects. According to the UN, in recent years we have seen greater climate changes than expected, and these changes are visible globally.
The global average temperature has, among other things, increased by around 1 °C from the pre-industrial era to the present day. Sea levels are also rising, which affects both humans and animals. The poor part of the world is hit hardest of all.
What can you do to reduce your carbon footprint?
Reduction in CO2 which originates from the burning of oil, coal and gas from industry is perhaps the most important measure to stop changes in the climate. The Paris Agreement means that all countries must submit updated emission targets every five years.
Norway's climate target is to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by around 55 % until 2030, compared to the level of emissions in the 1990s.
At the same time, there is much you can do yourself. Everyone leaves, and if many reduce their own carbon footprint, the effect will be noticeable. Let's take a closer look at some small things you can do to have a lower carbon footprint in your everyday life!
1. Eat less red meat
Preferably have one or more meat-free days per week, since emissions related to agriculture are a significant part of Norway's greenhouse gas emissions. Our annual emission of CO2-equivalents are approx. 52 million tonnes, and agriculture accounts for 4.5 million tonnes of this (around 9 %).
It is more climate-friendly to eat fish, as the greenhouse gas emissions associated with fish are lower than for red meat.
2. Prioritize public transport or cycling
You can also cut your own carbon footprint by driving a smaller car. Please have one or more car-free days a week, if this can be done.
Feel free to prioritize bus, tram, bicycle or other climate-friendly transport methods to and from work. You can also grab your feet.
3. Fly less
If you cut out one annual trip abroad by plane (round trip), you can potentially reduce your own carbon footprint significantly.
One trip abroad by plane will on average correspond to almost 270 kilograms of CO22-equivalents per person. If many people choose to fly less, this will have a significant effect.
4. Shower quickly and efficiently
Around 20 % of the electricity consumption in a Norwegian household goes to heating water. If you shower faster and at a slightly lower temperature, you can potentially save a lot of electricity.
It can also be beneficial to invest in an energy saving shower head. With an energy-saving shower, you can reduce the consumption of hot water by ten liters per minute.
5. Reduce food waste
Many people throw away fully edible food, which in practice means that we buy more food than we actually need. Remember that large parts of greenhouse gas emissions originate from agriculture. Much food is also transported from other parts of the world.
By throwing away less food, you can also buy less food. This can contribute to less food being produced, which saves the planet both greenhouse gas emissions, land area and energy.
6. Avoid leaving electronic devices on standby
You can also reduce your own carbon footprint by not leaving electronic devices such as TVs and the like on standby. That way you can cut your own electricity consumption.
According to estimates, around 10 % of our total power consumption is so-called standby consumption.
7. Share with others rather than buy new
Another important measure that can reduce your carbon footprint is to reduce your own consumption. By shopping for things such as clothes, electronics and the like less often, you can help ensure that less is also produced.
If you need, for example, a high-pressure washer, you can borrow this from someone rather than buying a new product. You can also lend your own things to others, and sell used items.
Reduce your carbon footprint with a climate-friendly mini warehouse
Flexistore offers environmentally friendly storage solutions which facilitates an increased culture of sharing. We have app-controlled mini warehouses that can be unlocked from the mobile. This makes it very easy to share or sell bicycles, garden equipment and other things, so that you can contribute to a lower consumption.
We strive to be Norway's greenest mini warehouse solution, and we have one sustainability strategy we work in a targeted manner.
Contribute where you can, and reduce your own carbon footprint!
