[ad_1]
In the face of a constant stream of bad news – the war in Ukraine, the climate crisis, spiralling fuel poverty and looming global food shortages – Positive action is the best approach to dealing with stress. There are a number of actions we can all take simultaneously to address these emergencies, with immediate results and at no cost.
It’s time to talk about behaviour change – the missing part of the solution to so many problems, but largely ignored by policymakers who are reluctant to risk alienating voters.
How can people in other countries help reduce the flow of finance that sustains Russia’s invasion of Ukraine? You can immediately reduce your Russian consumption OilGas and oil. But, it is not enough to simply turn to other sources of fossilfuels from regimes that are often just as complicit in. Human rights violationsThis is not the way to go. This crisis is not an excuse to produce more domestically produced oil, gas, and coal. Fracking. We’ve known for years that we have to Keep most fossil fuels out of the groundWe must do everything we can to prevent catastrophic climate change.
We must also urgently accelerate the development of renewable energy, and implement large-scale programs to do so. Program for energy efficiencyWe need to act now to equip our homes with heat pumps and better insulation. The UK government’s targetIt is too late to save Ukraine if Russia stops importing oil by 2022 (with no comparable gas target).
What you can do
Instead, let’s finally pay some attention to the power that individuals have to cut consumption. For example, in the UK, a study showed that simple measures such turning down thermostats and turning off lights could help to save energy. Reduce gas consumption by 23%For household heating and power generation. For example, you can set the thermostat to just 1℃ lower can save 10% of heating bills, with temperatures of 18℃ to 20℃ still being safe and comfortable for all except elderly or vulnerable people.
Gulpa / shutterstock
People can also reduce their oil consumption. Driving FlyingReduce your commute by walking or working from home. Cycling short journeys.
Even though countries like Germany are more dependent on Russia than others, Russia is only one of the world’s most important partners. 8% of the UK’s oil and 4% of its gas is imported from Russia – surely UK citizens can find a way to reduce their consumption by that amount? Any further decrease in demand will help ease global market supply constraints. This will make it easier for other countries reduce their dependence. This reduction in demand, particularly if it is replicated elsewhere, would also help to reduce fuel prices on global markets. This would be a huge help to millions of people in the UK who are struggling with fuel poverty.
Food for thought
Moving to a more plant-based dietIt is equally powerful given the dependence on global food supplies Fertilizers & grainRussia and Ukraine More than half of the UK’s wheat production, two thirds of its barley and one third of its oats is used to feed livestock not humans. It is possible to replace livestock products with plant protein, such as beans, pulses, and nuts. far more efficientIn terms of land, surface water and greenhouse gas emission.
Juice Flair/Shutterstock
The UK is a net exporter and importer of grain. However, reducing its own consumption could increase UK exports and reduce global food prices. This could allow for the restoration of arable and grazing land to carbon-rich woodlands, grassland, and wetlands that support biodiversity. Nature recoveryWe need your help! Climate change: adapt. More investment in Sustainable farmingIt can help reduce dependence on imported fertilizers by increasing soil fertility.
Russia Beyond
These measures offer many other benefits. To avoid climate change, we need to reduce fossil fuel consumption faster. Climate catastrophe. Although the government’s policy is centered on new infrastructure. cutting resource demandBehavior change is a quick and easy way to save money. It doesn’t usually require capital investment.
There are also benefits for health – more CyclingWalking and walking can help with sedentary lifestyles. Plant-based diets have been shown to be beneficial. Certain types of cancer are less common.. The pollution from mining, logging, intensive farming, and manufacturing will be reduced if we use fewer resources.
Despite all these benefits, behaviour change will involve commitment and some sacrifices – fewer flights to foreign holidays or conferences, cutting down on some of our favourite foods, and braving the weather to cycle rather than drive. That’s why the time to act is now, with the desperate need to end a horrific war acting as powerful additional motivation for behaviour change that might also save humanity in the longer term. Let’s redouble our efforts to change our own lifestyles, change our organisations and institutions, and spread the message to Inspire othersDo the same.
