Scientists have calculated the total greenhouse gases we can safely emit. Divide that by the number of people on the planet (currently 6.5 billion, heading towards 9) to get each person’s fair share: about 1 tonne per year. Given the UK average is 10 and one return flight to New York is 3.5, it’s very difficult. But the other option - letting millions die - is worse.
Cutting your personal emissions by a factor of ten can be a daunting and unappetising prospect - but sooner or later, it is something we are all going to have to do, and many of the changes bring all kinds of other benefits.
