most simple definition of the
climate is the sum total of all
the interconnecting systems on
Earth (i.e. the atmosphere) and
it's hard to think of a natural
process that doesn't in some
way have an effect on the
climate.
So human activity in climate
change is only part of the
picture, and that's where
the disagreement comes in.
Pollution, on the other hand,
is way more simple. Whilst
climate change can be argued
to be the result of human
activity, pollution is human
activity. This simplicity and
difference in kind allows action
to be taken so much more
easily, instead of vaguely
trying to 'reduce your carbon
footprint', or 'stop climate
change'.
Since pollution is
actually an activity,
it not only makes it
easier to deal with
than an idea (which
was my second
reason) but leads
you directly to
action.
Since polluting is something
that is done, the solution is to
stop doing it. Obviously, it's not
as simple as this, but it's at least
simpler than trying to work out
how to solve climate change –
something not everybody even
agrees exists anyway. Focussing
on pollution makes humans
so much more accountable
and responsible as it's about
cleaning up our mess, but it
also enables us to actually do
something in a much more
effective way than talking
about climate change does.
Here are four ways
to try and make a
difference it's the
usual stuff but it's
definitely worth
repeating:
1. Drive only when
necessary:
public transport is good and
cycling if you can manage
it is even better. If it's a tiny
drive down the road to pick
something up from the shop,
consider walking. It's much
healthier, both for your mind,
your body and the planet.
2. Refuse single-use
plastic
like straws, coffee lids (unless
you're about to run!), bottles
and bags. Have a refillable
bottle with you – this will help
you keep hydrated as well!
3. Organise your
trash.
The less we're putting in a
landfill the better.
4. Write to your MP,
a lot.
If we all bug those that
represent us enough, the
desire to reduce pollution and
clean up what is already out
there might make it through
to Parliament. This could
take the form of encouraging
renewables, introducing better
recycling policies and pushing
for a move away from fossil
fuels.
GUESTLIST
2018 / ISSUE 108
GUESTLIST
