Ever wondered how much you need to cut your carbon emissions so you can do your bit to prevent further catastrophic impacts of climate change? Here we provide you with an answer. Learn what the average UK carbon footprint is and what you can do about it. Our short infographic tells you where we are and what we need to do to tackle climate change on an individual level, as well as giving you some useful tips.
The average UK Carbon Footprint stated above was determined through nationally reported emissions and estimated imported carbon emissions. Average Global Citizen emissions were set using the UN Carbon Footprint Gap analysis. Proportions of emissions from different areas were determined using a Carbon Trust report that calculating bottom up emissions from numerous participants.
Why do carbon emissions matter?
At some point between 2025 and 2040 the average global temperature will exceed 1.5 degrees celsius, and could be a lot higher. A 2-degree rise is likely to cause run-away climate change. Within the next 10 to 30 years if we carry on as we are severe weather events will cause major food shortages and will disrupt entire economies. This is called climate breakdown.
Climate change is caused by man-made carbon emissions. We have disrupted the carbon cycle by burning millions of years old carbon from coal, oil, and gas, and by farming intensively. This causes the release of carbon-based gases which sit in the atmosphere. They absorb energy from the sun and act like a thermal blanket around the earth.
As more carbon based gases are released, the concentration increases, thickening the blanket and storing energy. This energy results in an increase in temperature and severe weather events.
Can I really make a difference?
There are 7.67 billion people. Each one of us has a responsibility to stop climate breakdown. Our choices make a difference. Over 70% of all carbon emissions occur directly because of our choices.