Concluding Blog Post

Four months, 13 posts and many hours of research later it is time to conclude the blog.

In the beginning of my blog adventure the goal was to explore how behaviour adjustments in my individual life would impact the climate and hereby investigate what I as individual could do to help reduce my climate impact. I was fully aware, that in the end it takes political top steering and global governance to make structural global differences, but tackling the problem through practical bottom-up initiatives was an inspiring way to create attention and try to influence ones surroundings to make behavioural changes. Changes, that in the end could make a difference.

The blog evolved into an exploration of a wide range of topics addressed at a small and large scale with a common topic: anthropogenic climate change.

By for example researching environmentally friendly food, watching Colin Beavan’s documentary No Impact Man, reviewing David Owen’s book Green Metropolis and understanding the concept of carbon footprint I have addressed climate initiatives tackled at a local level. These issues explore climate change at a consumer level.

To explore climate change at a larger scale I have written a post on Copenhagen’s Climate Plan, which has given an understanding of the specific actions done to become CO2 neutral in 2025.  In continuation I have focused biking. At the same scale I have posted an infographic, made by Sustainable Cities Collective, comparing metropolitan cities’ climate actions. These are issues, which need to be targeted at a political level.

I have gotten an understanding of the public’s perception of climate change by exploring the physiological and social attitudes associated with climate change. The media plays a crucial role in the public’s perception of climate change. It is therefore important for climate scientist to communicate their message efficiently to educate the public.  There is a need for a better communication pathway between the experts and the public. Social media events such as 24 Hours of Reality are ideal to create public awareness and spread knowledge about climate change.

In the end it all comes down to one thing: the entire society is affected by the changing climate. Climate change is one of the defining challenges of the 21^st century and can possibly have a major negative impact on future generations.  A reality we need to face and act upon. It is a responsibility shared by three actors: the government, businesses and consumers. As a consumer, we do have the power to put pressure on the policy makers to enforce regulations. In effect society will automatically adapt to these laws and regulations, which forces the consumer and thereby the businesses to do what is right. Together we must acknowledge and prioritise climate change before its too late.