There’s no question the eyes of the world will be on Scotland for COP26, but there’s something we need to remember – combatting climate change isn’t a spectator sport.
It’s something we all need to do; do it now and do it every day.
Sure, the big changes need to come from the bigwigs. We can only hope the COP26 climate conference in Glasgow really does see world leaders agreeing to make the tough decisions needed to steer us away from the precipice of a planet that will no longer support our species.
There are some things that need to be off the table from the get-go – national interests for one. Appeasing global corporations is another.
There is no point in taking a “we’re all right, Jack” approach or turning a blind eye to conglomerates hoovering up resources or pumping harmful gases into the atmosphere and plastic waste into the seas.
We all share the planet and there isn’t another going spare. Multi-billionaires blasting themselves into space for a 10-minute joyride with Captain Kirk isn’t going to trailblaze us to an Earth 2 somewhere in the cosmos.
How can we all help?
The time has come when we all need to get serious about ensuring we have a future. Thinking the dire warnings are scaremongering isn’t going to cut it. World leaders need to heed the call to action for all our sakes.
So, where do we mere mortals come into the equation of saving the planet?
Making our voices heard is one way and Greta Thunberg is bang on to bang on about putting pressure on our political leaders. We need to let them know that we want them to make choices that will ensure our children and their kids have lives worth living.
Every time some party hack points at the cost of change to the economy, it’s worth pointing out there won’t be an economy unless we change.
We also have individual choices to make about how we live. Do we really need that second car? Come to it, do we really need to always use the first car. How often do you nip out to pick up something from the shops, or collect your takeout, when you could easily walk it?
How often do you make a trip to a place that’s perfectly well served by public transport?
Let’s stop telling ourselves that nothing we do as individuals make a difference. That’s sheer kidology
Do you always reuse and recycle everything you can? Is it really too much effort to rinse out the empty can of beans and pop it in the recycling bin?
If you’re buying fruit and veg, what’s wrong with picking up the loose ones and putting them in a paper bag, as opposed to the ones swathed in polystyrene and clingfilm?
Let’s stop telling ourselves that nothing we do as individuals make a difference. That’s sheer kidology.
If we all adjust our lifestyles, even by a little, we can help drive enormous change. Demand it, do it, live it.
Be the person on the family tree that generations to come will thank for giving them a future.
Scott Begbie is entertainment editor for The Press & Journal and Evening Express