I walked to work

Wednesday, 27 January 2010

In all my years as a human being I never imagined that I would leave my carbon emitting car behind and use my legs and feet to get to work. I’m not going to argue; it’s way past the time to being more active with this climate change business.

Did you know that when you take a walk you can actually help unblock your arteries or relieve some congestion? Now that would probably add a good 20 years to your life.

According to information collated by The World Bank based on information collated every five years, South Africa had carbon emissions of 8, 7 metric tons per capita in 2005. It will be interesting to see the trend for the last five years, a report of which should be available at the end of the 2010 or early 2011.

South Africa is currently placed at number 13 in the world and 1 in Africa for the countries that contributes the most carbon emissions. People may argue that it is expected since we’re the most developed country on the African continent.

But is it really expected? After all, far more developed countries, specifically in Europe, have a much smaller contribution. Why then can’t we also keep our contribution to a minimum?

On the heels of Copenhagen 15, we need to be conscious of what we are doing to our environment. We should also remember that as much as government can and should be providing legislature and writing policy to ensure the sustainability of our environment, we also as the public have a responsibility to do our bit by taking care of and respecting our environment.