Addressing climate change is still one of the most important topics in the world. The IPCC recently released their first report to look at how we can tackle the problem by reducing energy demand. Doing so could reduce pollution by 40-70% by 2050.
Why is cutting demand important?
A lot of effort is going in to looking at alternatives to things that produce a lot of pollution. For example there is research into cleaner energy sources, low carbon building materials, and even food production. However, while the changes can help, simply cutting demand and how much energy we use would be a big help. If this change in behaviour persists, it can help to cut demand and help the environment. People should also look at things like their diet and transportation. Little changes here could really help lower energy consumption.
What else to look at?
Another thing the report suggests is regulating bad products out of the market. This could stop people using them and get them to choose greener alternatives instead. However, it is challenging and largely comes down to the current infrastructure. For example, if you need to replace your boiler you will likely choose a like for like model. It may be more energy efficient than your current one, but would you look at a completely different option that could be even greener? The market is set up like this rather than giving people information about other choices. What it would require here is a combination of more information, incentives, and feedback to help people make good changes. If everyone could do this at home they could reduce their carbon emissions and energy usage. This would be a big step toward hitting climate change goals. It also comes down to professionals to help influence key things. Architects for example can change attitudes towards things like building size. This could help to address energy consumption. It is also important to promote good insulation in all properties.