Net Zero Carbon Emissions

Zak Latimer Harrison, who is currently studying at Shire Oak Academy, spent a week at RAB to gain work experience across our subsectors. During his time here, he wrote the article below for Net Zero Week on what net zero emissions means to him and the actions he takes to reduce his carbon footprint.

What does Net Zero mean to me?

Net Zero is one of the most important targets that the world is striving to achieve, offering a chance for a sustainable future for generations to come. In the urbanised area where I live (Birmingham), a large amount of carbon emissions are released annually, contributing to global temperatures edging closer to rising above 2 degrees Celsius, which would cause irreversible damage.

Net Zero is important to me because it signifies a chance for greener and more environmentally stable future that everyone can experience. Having been fortunate enough to enjoy rural areas and natural environments, it is crucial for me to contribute to Net Zero to ensure that future generations can have the same experiences while still enjoying the benefits of the modern world.

What steps am I taking to reach Net Zero?

To contribute to Net Zero, there are actions I have been taking that you may also find helpful. For example, when leaving my house, I ensure all lights are switched off, thereby reducing unnecessary electricity consumption. However, if you leave a light on for security reasons, make sure to use LED lights, which are more energy-efficient and therefore emit less carbon. This also benefits you by making lighting more cost-effective within your home.

Another action I am taking is cycling more often to places within a 5-mile radius. This not only avoids contributing to carbon emissions but also provides an opportunity for exercise. If cycling is not an option for you, consider using public transport or evaluating the type of car you drive. Opting for an electric or eco-friendly vehicle can significantly reduce carbon emissions and help achieve the net zero goal.

Finally, I adhere to a strict policy on waste production within my home and daily life. Recycling is a straightforward and effective way to help reduce carbon emissions. I ensure all suitable materials, such as yoghurt pots and empty bottles, are recycled. This reduces the amount of waste in landfills, creating more space for general waste and allowing recyclable materials to be repurposed. These are simple actions you can take to help the world achieve a net zero carbon emissions atmosphere.

What I think is the best way for people to be encouraged to do this

Local scale – The best way to encourage family, friends, and the local community to take action is by highlighting the negative effects of carbon emissions on the environment, such as increased wildfires and pollution of air and water sources. Once people are educated, they can better understand the true severity of global carbon emissions.

Additionally, organising community projects can make a significant impact. For example, dedicating a day each week for local community members to participate in litter picking or tree planting (afforestation projects) can help improve urban greening. Sharing progress from these projects on social media and web pages can raise awareness and inspire other towns or areas to initiate similar activities.

Global scale – To encourage people globally, one effective approach is to support environmental charities. This doesn’t necessarily mean donating money; you can also participate in their activities, such as litter picking and replanting trees. Additionally, consider joining the charity organisation as a volunteer. Another impactful step is to install solar panels or other renewable energy sources on your property. These provide carbon emission-free energy and should be seen as an investment, as they offer free energy once installed.

Transport is a major contributor to our planet’s atmospheric carbon levels, with combustion engines releasing CO2, especially in urban areas like Lichfield or Birmingham. We can combat this by promoting public transport and providing new methods or opportunities for people to use it. For instance, increasing the number of people taking trains and other public transport to and from work will reduce road traffic, ensuring timely commutes and simultaneously lowering carbon emissions.

In summary, we should all strive to create a brighter and greener future for generations to come.

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