I don’t know about you, but when it comes to reducing your carbon footprint I’m pretty blaze. What’s turning off one light going to do? And what difference is it going to make if I leave my heater on all night? Apparently, a lot. Turning off lights you’re not using and being mindful with electricity is only the tip of the global warming iceberg.
As typical Australian’s, we often take the ‘she’ll be right’ attitude towards environmental matters. I mean, positive thinking is definitely important, but apparently it doesn’t do us any good, let alone future generations depending on the conservation of our environment.
As the 14th largest consumer of energy in the world, we’re not demanding the most but it is still highly important to conserve what we have. According to the Australian Petroleum Production and Exploration Association, our fossil fuel consumption has increased at a steady rate of about 2.3% per year. Shockingly, by 2005 we were using 36.7% more fossil fuels than in 1990. In other words, our usage of fossil fuels is increasing. These are non-renewable sources and once they are gone, we cannot get them back.
Simple acts like participating in Earth can only benefit our environment. With 5,251 cities and 135 countries taking part in the 2011 Earth Hour, Toronto alone saved 2,347,600 kilowatts from that hour alone. Australian ambassadors like 2011’s Miranda Kerr are assisting the promotion of Earth Hour, encouraging us to turn off our electricity and join in on pro-eco choices.
It all boils down to simply understanding the impacts that each of us are having upon our environment. We may not understand the nitty gritty numbers, but acknowledging the importance of conservation is a big step for us as people, and an even bigger for our natural surroundings.
