Cop26: Changes that can help reduce your carbon footprint

Altering diet, transport and shopping choices will help in climate fight

Boris Johnson arrives to attend the reception on an electric bus. AP Photo

Prince William watches the creation of the seed bombs. Reuters

Prince William and Kate arrive at the sports hub. Reuters

Prince William and Kate speak to Scout leaders. Getty Images

Prince William and Kate meet scouts to learn about the group's #PromiseToThePlanet campaign. Getty Images

Kate leaves Alexandra Park Sports Hub. Getty Images

Carbon emissions will be the focus of the Cop26 climate change summit in Glasgow.

Global leaders will be under pressure to outline their steps for delivering a net-zero future and limiting global warming to 1.5°C.

But the world cannot rely on governments alone to make the required changes, people need to step up with their contributions along the way.

Here are some changes that can help reduce the damage to environment.

Cut down on red meat

The farming industry is a huge driver of carbon emissions and helps fuel deforestation. Livestock farming alone creates 14 per cent of all greenhouse gases.

Making the right diet choices can help to reverse these trends, particularly reducing consumption of red meat such as lamb and beef.

Experts say that consumers should be conscientious and get to know how food is produced and where it comes from. Going vegan could also help save the planet.

Cop26 preparations — in pictures

An aerial view of the Scottish Events Centre in Glasgow, where the Cop26 Summit will take place from Sunday, October 31, until Friday, November 12. Getty Images

Banners advertising the upcoming Cop26 Summit line a street in Glasgow. Glasgow was chosen to host the summit in 2019. Ministers described it as one of the UK’s most sustainable cities and a showcase for “diverse culture and world-leading innovation”. Bloomberg

Workers erect a fence at the Scottish Events Centre. Cop26 was initially due to take place in 2020 but was postponed by a year because of the pandemic. Getty Images

A pupil holds a poster at St Convals Primary School in Glasgow while learning about climate change ahead of Cop26. About 25,000 people are expected to attend the summit. Reuters

Road closures are in place around the SEC in Glasgow. There have been 25 Conference of the Parties (or 'Cop') summits so far, making this year's event 'Cop26'. Bloomberg

An electronic poster advertising the Cop26 summit. World leaders will kick off the summit by setting 'high-level ambition' for climate action, the UK government says. Bloomberg

The Armadillo building forms part of the SEC, the location for the summit. Bloomberg

Artists paint a mural on a a wall next to the Clydeside Expressway near the SEC. Getty Images

Police Scotland mounted officers patrol near the SSE Hydro venue in Glasgow. As part of the summit, world leaders are holding talks on November 1 and 2. Prime Minister Boris Johnson will represent Britain and US President Joe Biden will be there. AFP

Volunteers model the official uniforms that will be worn by about 1,000 volunteers at Cop26. PA

A study published in the Lancet Planetary Health journal this month found the shift away from red meat in recent years is already having a positive impact on land use, water use and emissions in the UK.

But scientists have said that meat consumption needs to be cut by 30 per cent by 2030 to reduce methane emissions from cattle and sheep that help drive global warming, and to free up land for absorbing carbon and boosting nature.

Drive less, fly less and take the train more often

Transport is responsible for almost a quarter of carbon dioxide global emissions, with flying particularly bad for producing CO2.

Domestic flights may shave hours off your travel time but produce the largest emissions per person per kilometre.

Although they are often more expensive, train journeys can have less than a fifth of the impact of a domestic flight.

We live in a culture of fast, throwaway fashion. Getty Images

Ethical shopping

Fast fashion is bad for the environment. The industry is responsible for 10 per cent of all greenhouse gas emissions and 85 per cent of clothing is disposed of every year.

For example, it takes 3,781 litres of water to make one pair of jeans, according to a UN report.

Shoppers should think before they buy, donate clothing rather than throwing it away, and choose better-made garments that will last longer. Second-hand clothing is also preferable to buying new.

Remember: it's not all or nothing

Some action is better than none. If you can’t give up meat, your car or flying completely, then it is best to simply cut back.

By taking action, you make it mainstream for the public to demand alternatives to carbon intensive products and services, and profitable for companies to do the right thing.

Dr Stuart Capstick, deputy director of the Centre for Climate Change and Social Transformations, says there is a delicate balance between individual and collective responsibility.

He points out that the bigger your footprint, the bigger the benefits when you decide to make changes.

“The top 10 per cent [of incomes] have a disproportionate share of emissions, and for those groups transport and travel comprises a big part of their footprint, and a lot of that is flying,” he says.

“So not doing those things that contribute to having a massive footprint clearly does make a difference.”