Individuals can make a huge difference when it comes to action on climate. New research shows that “government and industry do have the most responsibility, but citizen and community action is meaningful, impactful, and urgently needed.” We’re all in the war on climate together. Citizens have to take the jump and be part of the solution.
Take the Jump on Climate
Here in Canada our policies and practices to tackle climate change are largely built around putting a price on carbon pollution. The levy at the gas pump is the most visible action the government is currently taking. But even in this act, the cost of carbon is not visible to the average consumer.
Canada remains far from its announced goals of reducing greenhouse gas emissions (GHGs) by between 40 and 45% by 2030. No current program will get us there even with the price of carbon being upped by $15 CDN annually.
That’s why the power of individual citizen involvement needs to be invoked. A scientific research study announced on March 7th asks the question “is avoiding climate meltdown only about action by government and industry, with individuals effectively powerless?” It goes further by asking “can citizens and communities have a meaningful and direct impact in the here and now?”
The study is being overseen by C40 and JUMP. The former is an organization representing global cities focused on climate change and sustainability. The latter is a citizen-led movement that is trying to help humanity wean itself off the stuff that is destroying the planet.
C40 cities are committed to cutting GHGs from transportation, building, industry, and waste management making all policy decisions looking through an environmental sustainability lens. They have committed to cutting emissions in half from participating cities by 2030.
JUMP’s goal is to achieve a two-thirds reduction in the impact of consumption in rich countries by 2030. To achieve this it focuses on individual citizen and local community actions in something it calls “Take the JUMP.”
What taking the JUMP involves is six shifts:
- Ending clutter by keeping the stuff we buy for seven years at least.
- Eliminating personal vehicle travel.
- Eating a largely plant-based diet.
- Buying only three new items of clothing a year.
- Taking local holidays with only one flight every three years.
- Making one personal transformative shift to help society achieve a sustainable future.
The last point differs from the others because it involves becoming part of a group to collectively influence change. You could join a climate action group like Citizens’ Climate Lobby (I have) for example. Through individuals coming together in activities aimed at achieving a sustainable future, your influence can become as powerful as governments and industry.
A recent study from the Centre for Low Carbon Future involving researchers at Leeds University in the United Kingdom, concludes that rich countries in the world will need to reduce GHG emissions by two-thirds over the next 10 years to keep the world from experiencing negative environmental impacts of consequence for all nations.