Environmental Engineering Reference
In-Depth Information
2.5 Self-Help Climate Protection
The governments of most countries today are taking a half-hearted approach to
addressing the issue of climate protection. Certain special-interest groups would
invariably suffer fi nancially if consistent policies were pursued in this area. Therefore,
these groups are trying to use their political infl uence to delay any serious imple-
mentation of climate protection measures.
However, this is not a reason to fall into a state of lethargy. On the contrary:
Everyone has the chance to make a contribution towards protecting the climate.
Savings of 50, 80 or even 100% in greenhouse gas transmissions are easily achiev-
able right now. If more and more people follow a good example, the results of their
efforts will help to protect the climate. But a single measure on its own is not enough
to stop global warming. Instead it will take a combination of many different kinds
of measures. Renewable energies in particular can play a major role here, as this
topic will show.
Active climate protection does not demand any major sacrifi ces. If everyone tried
to implement the following measures, it would be enough to save the climate:
■
Avoid buying products made of tropical woods that do not come from sus-
tainable sources. The FSC stamp can help in a purchase decision.
■
Avoid equipment and appliances (refrigerators, air conditioning units,
heating pumps) containing coolants with HFCs because they are responsible
for more than 10% of the greenhouse effect. If this equipment is not available
without HFCs (e.g. car air conditioning systems), the buyer should put pres-
sure on the manufacturer.
■
Be consistent in recycling, reduce the use of animal feed and increase the
use of organic and local products.
■
Be consistent in saving energy in all areas (See Chapter 3).
■
Build and fi nance new renewable energy systems and installations (see
Chapters 5 to 14 ).
