I believe that global warming is the biggest issue facing humanity today – it represents a far greater threat than terrorism, fundamentalism, or nuclear war. I am not alone in this belief. Scientists and many policymakers agree that the global population must reduce greenhouse gas emissions by at least 60 per cent by 2050 with more drastic cuts needed by developed nations. It is imperative that the international community agrees to this target and legislates to reach it.
Human-induced drastic climate change represents the tipping point in our relationship with the planet. It’s a problem that has been building for many hundreds, if not thousands, of years and it won’t disappear tomorrow. Even if we stopped producing greenhouse gas emissions today, the planet’s temperature would continue to warm for several decades. Unless extreme action is taken, increasing population and consumption levels will endanger the survival of every living organism on the planet.
Arguing that global warming is the biggest problem facing humanity today, this well-illustrated handbook seeks to reduce the heavy tread of the human race’s impact upon the planet. Using a tool called the ecological footprint, it estimates the resources that an individual consumes compared with the amount that nature can sustain. Most importantly, this examination debunks the myth that green living is not for everyone by detailing simple, practical, day-to-day actions that not only reduce costs to the environment but minimize financial burdens as well. A wide range of tips for recycling, ethical investment, lower-impact office practices, and responsible travel and event management are also included. Covering the subjects of carbon offset schemes and lighter-footprint options for transportation, energy, water, food, household goods and appliances, and even personal care items, this guidebook provides the means to replace ingrained habits with sustainable behavior.
