This is a post purely about sustainability, which I had wanted to write already for a while. Why? Honestly: we see all around us that the world is changing, not in a good way. We hear and read about reports that are urging us to act, act now, act decisively and fast. The
2018 IPCC report was very loud and clear about our impact on the climate. The
COP24 in Poland was a step forward, yet many say it's still too little, too late. The reason I write this blog post, is that in a way I'm often frustrated to see how little efforts people are doing in their normal life. Everyone seems to carry on, wait for things to change by policy makers or by "others", not realizing there is quite a lot they can do.
A first important fact to stress: the western, developed world is contributing MUCH more carbon footprint per capita than the vast majority of developing countries. Many would expect countries like China or India to be main contributors, and they are in absolute terms but definitely not per capita. Who are the main culprits? Guess. It's us, in the "developed" world! If you look at a ranking of carbon footprint per country (like this
example from the Worldbank), per capita, you'd be surprised. The main "polluters": Middle Eastern countries! They take top spots - with exception from a few very small countries. Next follow some of the big western countries, surprisingly (or not!): the USA, Australia and Canada!!! These countries have footprints of around 15 metric tons pp - and they are increasing still. (which were again the countries that did not attend the COP24?!) China is only at half that, 7.5 - but, it's been increasing sharply and that is a major concern. Also, China takes top spot when we're looking at total emission as a country.
OK, where is India? Anyone who has been to India, or has seen the images of pollution, will expect India to be a nightmare in terms of footprint. Well, you know what, the per capita footprint for India is about ONE TENTH of the USA; only 1.7 metric tonnes pp. OK, as with China, it has increased with a factor 5 since 1960. Also Brazil, you know, that country that is destroying the Amazon forest for our meat, is only at... 2.6 metric tonnes pp. Belgium, as a comparison, is at 8.3 currently (so similar to China) - but at least, it's come down from 9.9 in 2016! And our other home country, Malaysia, is at 8.0 - with a steep increase since 1960 as well. So first take away message: "they" are not the big "offenders", it's US!
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| While avoiding plastic is an important measure, it won't "save the planet". Some countries, like India, are talking bold steps to ban plastics in the near future. |
It's actually very obvious if you think about it. We have our cars - often 2 or more per household. We drive whenever, wherever we want. We take planes multiple times per year. We have big houses, with air conditions and/or central heating. We eat meat with heaps; OK, here is another
fact sheet. The average American eats... 120kg of meat per year!!! China: 58kg. India: 4.4kg... There almost seems to be a correlation between carbon footprint and meat consumption - and yes, meat is a major contributor to carbon footprint indeed, that's well known by now. We eat fruit and veggies from anywhere in the world, and waste lots. We have our iPhones, iPads and laptops. We have lots of utensils and devices, they're often convenient but certainly not essential (ever heard about decluttering?). The list goes on and on. Now think about what the average Indian in a rural village will have of all that... As good as nothing, right!? The western world is just totally spoiled, we're all used to that, it's hard to change - and on top of that, the economy, based on consumerism and growth, needs you to continue doing this.
OK, I hope I have been able to open your eyes now. Next: what can you do? There is quite a lot you can do obviously, and I have also posted about that before (3 posts:
this and
this and
this) , but I want to give you some more examples from our daily life.
Firstly, since I left my job, we don't have a car anymore. Yes, indeed, we live and move around in KL without a car. Hard to believe? Well, it's actually not that hard. It's a combination of an improving public transport system, with for us the essential MRT. Using Grab - share taxi's, like Uber - are a second part of the answer. And finally, we're also using car sharing options, like
Socar and Gocar (that would be Cambio in Belgium, GoGet in Australia, etc). Car sharing is basically hiring a car for short durations, at very affordable rates. If you count the total cost of using these transportation options, it comes down to owning a medium size car or even less - and for us in fact much less, because we travel a lot. A car would continue to cost us while standing still... Does this sound like something we can do because we have enough time? Well yes, it makes things a bit easier, but it's not essential at all. We know others (yes, Jochen and Sofie, like you!) who have made this exact choice, and who are comfortable with it. On top of that, in many countries the bicycle is a good option for short rides (not so in Malaysia...), making it even more feasible. This is much more a deliberate choice, than "luck". Yes, it might mean you need to change some habits or arrangements.
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| An example of our "SOCAR" usage |
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| The current Rapid KL train network |
Another example, is about plane travel. For us, it's one of our major "sins" in terms of carbon footprint. There are several different calculations possible, the numbers vary, Using the online carbon footprint
calculator, a flight from Malaysia to Belgium means around at least 1.5 tonnes of CO2. When we fly from Malaysia to let's say Hanoi, it's easily 300kg. Compare that to the average 8 tonnes pp per year for someone living in Malaysia, and you can see the impact flying has. So we're deliberately trying to limit flying for our travels, and if we do, minimize the distance if possible. An actual example... Last October we went to Thailand for 2 weeks. Our last destination was Ko Lanta. From Ko Lanta, it would take around 2 hours by car to go to Krabi and then another 2 hours to fly back to KL. Or, it takes 2 days overland travel by bus and train. The difference - roughly: 50kg CO2 instead of 100kg. Again, you can argue we have time on our hands, but honestly: we left 2 days earlier because of this, as we had to be back in KL at a certain date. Just like above, it's a choice!
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| Traveling by train is fun! |
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| In Hat Yai train station |
I hope this helps to make you aware, that it is more about deciding to do something about it, than about external factors. About deciding that you don't need that avocado from Australia. That you are willing to leave your car at home - or at least, go for a hybrid/electric car even if it's a bit more expensive. That a bus or train holiday can be good fun. That probably, you don't need air conditioning in Belgium. That a good steak is nice, but you don't really need it. That you'd love some new pair of shoes, or a nice new dress, but you really don't need it. And so much more. It's so much IN YOUR OWN HANDS, if you're willing to change and are committed to contribute.
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| And a nice stay in Taiping on the way home, why not make it a fun journey! |
And I want to end with a philosophical note. Yes, we can all do a lot to change. Our emissions and with it, the climate change can be controlled at this moment if we all really want. However, long term, I'm convinced we still have an essential problem. We're currently
estimated to be 7.7 billion (and 2) people on this planet. If we keep growing the population as it grows now, I don't think we can keep things under control. But the big question is: what can be done about this; how to control population growth??? There are a lot of political, economical, religious, ethical etc challenges... Except also here, for people to be aware, and make responsible decisions... Unlesss, of course, nature takes care of it...
