Whose footprint?

To the Editor:

This year being the warmest winter on record (as in “What winter?”), the sobering reality of global climate change is uppermost in many minds. One may wonder just how much the various actors contribute to global warming, and do I have a significant role to play?

According to the Natural Resources Defense Council, the carbon emissions that contribute to global climate change break down as follows:

• Electricity (power plants) 25%

• Industry 24%

• Transportation (freight & personal use) 24%

• Commercial & Residential 13%

• Agriculture 11%

Can we influence the carbon footprint coming from these sectors? Yes. Perhaps most significantly, we can rethink our approach to consumption, such that we reduce the need to produce or use up so many resources in the first place. For example, we can bundle errands involving the car, turn down the home thermostat at night and when away, avoid buying items in single use containers, and eat one less meat-centric meal a week. Small things like these add up to making a difference, especially as more people get on board.

We can also remind our decision-makers in local, state and federal government that we expect them to support measures, including legislation, that rapidly address global climate change. For a quick and easy approach to reaching your congressperson in Washington, D.C., check out the Citizens’ Climate Lobby web site at https://citizensclimatelobby.org/get-loud-take-action/

A more complete description of contributors to climate change and potential solutions can be found at https://www.nrdc.org/stories/what-are-causes-climate-change#choices.

To safeguard a brighter future for our kids and grandkids, change at a societal level is necessary, and that begins with you and me. Let’s get started!

Bruce Moore

Bayfield