CO2 emissions are harming our planet. So, what are the most significant changes we can make in 2023 to achieve net zero status by 2050?
- Green energy experts at Uswitch.com reveal the small changes that can make the highest environmental impact
- When switching energy, opting for a renewable tariff has a great impact on reducing CO2 emissions
- Changing how you commute to work by taking only public transport or cycling can reduce our overall emissions by 30.5 million tons of CO2Â
- Other minor changes that pack a big punch include reducing international flights, house insulation and opting for a vegan diet.Â
Many countries, like Norway and the UK, have outlined a strategy to reduce emissions to net zero by 2050. To get us closer to that goal, a new study has revealed the top 10 eco resolutions we should make in 2023 to have the greatest impact on our CO2 emissions, according to green energy experts at Uswitch.com, the comparison service.
In cooperation with Professor Sam Fankhauser, Research Director of Oxford University Net Zero, Uswitch.com analysed current carbon emissions and estimated how they could differ in 2050 if certain changes were implemented. The difference in total carbon emissions of each action was calculated against the UK’s overall CO2 emissions to reveal the best way to reduce emissions in our everyday lives.
The study found that there are plenty of actions that we can turn into effective New Year’s resolutions in 2023 that can help reach zero carbon emissions, from changing our diets to how we travel.
Make a new year’s Resolution
If you would like to help make a difference to the global carbon footprint then you might like to try some of these.
10 ECO NEW YEAR’S RESOLUTIONS WITH THE BIGGEST IMPACTÂ
| Action | Total CO2 emissions reduction | |
| 1 | We only use renewable energy | 19% |
| 2 | All passenger cars go electric | 12% |
| 3 | 75% of cars switch to EV | 9% |
| 4 | Stop taking international flights | 8% |
| 5 | Everyone turns vegan | 7% |
| 6 | We stop commuting by car (opt for the train, bike, or bus) | 6% |
| 7 | 50% of cars switch to EV | 5% |
| 8 | We halve the number of international flights | 4% |
| 9 | We perfectly insulate our homes | 4% |
| 10 | We Reduce food waste | 3% |
The data research is from the UK, but it does give us Aussies something to think about. What does it mean for us?
Source: Uswitch.com UK In cooperation with Professor Sam Fankhauser, Research Director of Oxford University Net Zero, Uswitch analysed the emission data of key sectors such as Transport, Energy, Waste and Recycling, amongst others, to show which industries have the biggest impact on CO2 emissions.
The findings were based on data for overall CO2 emissions from 1990 to now and trajectory mapping for each category from 2019-2050.
Ben Gallizzi, the energy expert at Uswitch.com, commented: “Reaching net zero emissions by 2050 may seem like an arduous task, but it’s interesting to see how we can all contribute with small changes to get to this goal. Each and every person holds a lot of power in terms of our climate’s future outcome, so it’s good to showcase the daily actions we can take to make a true impact.â€
More from the researchers in the UK ...
According to the data, if every person only used renewable energy and practised energy efficiency measures, total CO2 emissions could be reduced by nearly 19%, making this the top eco resolution for Brits to make in 2023.
Opting for an electric car is the second-most impactful eco-resolution to stick to next year. If just half of the drivers switched to an EV, carbon emissions would be reduced by 4% and if EVs replaced three-quarters of the current vehicles on the road, that number would more than double, reducing our total emissions by 9%.
Individual actions also have a large impact on reaching net zero carbon emissions. If everyone in our community stopped commuting by car, (instead, opting for public transport or cycling,) we could reduce our overall emissions by nearly 7%, which is equivalent to 30.5 million tons less CO2.
