Having familiarised myself with the Climate Change (Scotland) Act (2009). I am now aware of the goal set by the Scottish Government to reduce Scottish emissions to below 80% of the baseline by the year 2050. To do this they have many strategies including the single use carrier bag charge and the land use strategy. The introduction of five pence charge for carrier bags was introduced in October 2014. It is estimated that exactly one year to the date of the charge being implemented, the seven main grocery retailers in Scotland would have used over 800 million carrier bags had the charge not been in place. This legislation has changed my habits as I have since purchased ‘bags for life’ that I use when shopping rather than purchasing single use carrier bags. Consequently, I have become more aware of recycling. The other strategy implemented by the Scottish government to help reach their goal is becoming more aware of land use. The land use strategy was first published in 2011 and is revised every 5 years. The strategy has a long-term goal of having well-integrated, sustainable land use which will have many benefits for society. The vision, according to the Government is “A Scotland where we fully recognise, understand and value the importance of our land resources, and where our plans and decisions about land use will deliver improved and enduring benefits, enhancing the wellbeing of our nation.” Scottish Government Land Use Strategy 2016-2021 (2016).
The clip “Antarctica on the Edge” left me shocked. It allowed me to see and better understand climate change. I learned that Antarctica is warming faster than anywhere else on the planted which influences the entire global weather system. Because of this, sea levels could rise by 1 metre by the end of the century.
Using the WWF Measure Your Footprint activities I could see my own carbon footprint. My carbon footprint was 90% and my total annual carbon emissions was 9.4 tonnes I felt this was a staggering amount but it is, in fact, less than the average UK average. My largest contribution was travel at 39%. Admittedly I should walk more frequently, however, I do car share when driving to university and there were no questions about car sharing yet it was suggested as a tip to decrease my footprint. Had there been a question about car sharing, my emissions may have been slightly less. The task also provided me with ways I could reduce my footprint. These included changing my diet by eating less meat and more plants, buying locally sourced food and wasting less food – something I am very guilty of doing.
In addition to this I also completed an activity on the BP Carbon Footprint Toolkit where I attempted to measure the carbon footprint of my primary school. I found this interesting but difficult as you are required to know the amount of gas, electricity etc. used per year which I am unaware of and would be difficult to establish. However, I think this task would be useful to do with pupils as it allows them to see ways they could reduce their carbon footprint.
To conclude, climate change is an issue that is extremely important and it is paramount that children – as well as adults – are made aware of ways they can help improve the future of the planet. Having completed these tasks I think I will now be more conscious of my decisions as I know that even though my actions may be small they can influence others and therefore have a large impact.
WEBSITES USED
http://footprint.wwf.org.uk/?_ga=1.176985891.745195644.1442412124
http://www.zerowastescotland.org.uk/sites/default/files/SUCB%20Charge%20One%20Year%20On%20Report.pdf
http://www.gov.scot/Topics/Environment/Countryside/Landusestrategy
http://www.legislation.gov.uk/asp/2009/12/contents
