Reducing carbon footprints

As discussions about Climate Change and its effects across all spheres increases, there is an urgent need to refocus Nigeria’s approach to Climate Action. One of the plausible ways will be to ensure homes, companies and all stakeholders understand the meaning of ‘Carbon Footprint’ and how they contribute to it.

Carbon footprint, simply put, is the amount of carbon dioxide that is emitted as a result of an individual’s daily activities; otherwise explained, your carbon footprint is the sum of all emissions of CO2 (carbon dioxide), which were induced by all your activities in a given time frame. Therefore, reduction of carbon footprint is largely dependent on making eco-friendly choices.

Individuals, groups, and organizations should become increasingly conscious of the total set of greenhouse gas emissions (carbon dioxide equivalent) caused by their actions. Among many other actionable methods, there are five (5) ways of reducing our carbon footprints and addressing Climate change: Energy Efficient (Use Safe Energy Options); using energy saving bulbs and switching off electrical appliances when not in use, using energy-efficient (rechargeable) appliances e.g. torch, fan, inverters and for individuals and organizations that can afford to install solar energy, inverters in their homes; this is the most enjoyable energy source void of noise, carbon monoxide, and carbon dioxide pollutions.

Others include dumping refuse cautiously, reduce air travels/avoid road traffic, engage in acts that are Eco-friendly and promote them, embrace locally made products rather than shop abroad and spread the news

Climate change is arguably the biggest threat facing our world at the moment. Perhaps this is a sentiment not everyone shares but the fact speaks for itself. In recent times the world has witnessed mudslide in Sierra Leon, drought in Kigali, flooding in Port Harcourt, desertification and famine in Northern Nigeria, melting glaciers, rising sea level, record-breaking hurricanes torrential monsoon rains in the Caribbean, South Asia and the United States, habitat loss and species migration among others.

No doubt, education is the key to achieving the intended mind shift. A lot of people do not have adequate knowledge about climate change and its implication on our immediate environment. In the same vein, our general attitude towards the environment emphasizes our expectations of the environment to self-heal no matter how poorly it is used.

Take it upon yourself today to educate yourself about climate change; educate someone who doesn’t know enough about it; teach children about it and gradually, SDG 13 (Climate action) can be achieved by 2030.

Ogunjobi Muyiwa

Port Harcourt, Nigeria.