Geographer and energy specialist, Neil Kitching, has published Carbon Choices. In this article he describes his book which tells the story of the common-sense solutions to our climate and nature crises.
Carbon Choices is an easy to read guide to our climate crisis and what you can do about it. It provides an international view from Scotland before the global climate conference, COP26, in Glasgow, November 2021. The book tells the most remarkable story on planet Earth. How one group of sociable animals came to emit 40 billion tonnes (40,000,000,000) of an invisible gas each year, changing the chemistry of the atmosphere and the oceans, and steadily destroying the environment and life support systems that we depend on. We have unwittingly driven the world into a climate and wildlife crisis by the endless extraction of raw materials and our excessive consumption - primarily by wealthier people and countries.
Carbon Choices considers the psychology that drives us to buy more ‘stuff’ and whether this makes us happier. In plain language, it describes ten building blocks that provide us with a foundation to build sensible climate change solutions; and five common-sense principles to guide us in the decisions that we make.
Be fair across current and future generations
Price carbon pollution
Consume carefully, travel wisely
Embrace efficiency, avoid waste
Nurture nature
These need to be adopted by governments, businesses and by individuals. For example, pricing carbon pollution is primarily a role for government, but will only happen if people and business support it, or at least don't oppose it. Businesses need to offer consumers quality products that will last a long time. This could happen through a mix of government led regulation and consumers willing to pay a bit more for quality products. Individuals have a role to play through their lifestyle choices and purchasing decisions - how much, what quality, their dietary choices and how they choose to travel.
By applying these principles to our daily lives – our diets, homes, travel, shopping and leisure activities - we can regenerate nature and improve our society, make us healthier, happier and lead more fulfilled lives.
This popular science book will fill any gaps in your understanding of climate change and nature loss. It lays out the solutions including a green action plan for government, businesses and individuals. It will motivate you to change your behaviour and maybe inspire you to campaign to change business activity and government policy.
Carbon Choices is available on Amazon or direct from the author at www.carbonchoices.uk where you can also get further information.
