On August 22nd we passed the Earths 'Overshoot Day'. This means we have now used the Earth's natural resources for 2020, everything we use between now and December 31st cannot be replenished. For comparison, 2019's Overshoot Day was the 29th July and the last Overshoot Day this late in the year was August 25th, 2005.
In a recent study, scientists based in Universities across the UK have discovered that the Earth has lost 28 trillion tonnes of ice since just 1994. This amount of ice would "cover the UK in a sheet of water that is 100 meters thick." Ice naturally reflects harmful solar radiation, however as it melts and reveals the dark sea below, it begins absorbing more than it reflects. "The level of ice loss revealed by the group matches the worst-case-scenario predictions outlined by the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC)".
Together, we can all fight Climate Change.
How to reduce your carbon footprint
Measure your carbon footprint using this handy calculator.
NON-RENEWABLE ENERGY
Using non-renewable energy, from oil, natural gas, coal or nuclear energy all contribute to your carbon footprint. Thankfully, the UK is rapidly phasing out coal, heading for more eco-conscious energy sources. In 2018 the Rampion Wind Farm was installed between Worthing and Brighton in Sussex, and generates enough electricity to power almost 350,000 UK homes. Thinking of switching your energy supplier? Take a look at the following companies offering renewable energy: Pure Planet, Octopus Energy and Ecotricity.
FOOD MILES
Food miles equate to how far your has food travelled before reaching your kitchen. Purchasing food that has been flown in from abroad clocks up high Carbon Emissions, for example buying out of season berries accounts for roughly 11% of the UK's food-transport emissions.
Check the climate impact of your food and drink using this handy 'Climate Change Food Calculator'.
DEFORESTATION
Deforestation is one of the key contributors to human-caused climate change, and accounts for roughly 15% of Global Greenhouse Gas (GHG) emissions. Trees store carbon dioxide and release oxygen into the atmosphere. When these trees are burned or chopped down, they release the carbon they stored into the atmosphere as carbon dioxide. This is what contributes to rising temperatures across the globe.
AVOID PALM OIL
The truth about palm oil surfaced in 2018 after Iceland released this advert which was subsequently banned for 'supporting a political issue'. Palm oil is commonly found in foods like chocolate, biscuits and bread, makeup and pharmaceuticals.
FSC CERTIFIED
Keep an eye out for FSC items or packaging, as this means the wood used comes from forests that are managed responsibly, in a way that is environmentally conscious and ethically sustainable.
PLANT TREES
Plant a tree! There are lots of ways you can help offset carbon emissions, and one way is by planting a tree. Some businesses offer the option when purchasing certain products through their website, or you can head to The National Forest to get involved. You can get sign up for their workshops to plant a tree yourself, or dedicate a tree through their website and they'll plant it for you.
If you liked this blog post, you might like Plastic Pollution and Eco-Alternatives.