Tehmina Haider and Michael O’Leary on Consumers and Climate Change
Tehmina Haider and Michael O’Leary, leaders of L Catterton Impact, recently spoke on the role of consumers in the transition to clean energy. ExxonMobil CEO Darren Woods has previously faced criticism for suggesting that the slow progress towards clean energy is due to consumers’ reluctance to spend money on such fuels.
The SEC’s new rules on climate disclosures put the responsibility of emissions reporting on public companies. However, the emissions resulting from consumers using the companies’ products are not included in this, meaning these emissions are still considered part of the consumer’s carbon footprint.
Consumer Responsibility
Many climate activists disagree with placing the blame on consumers. The notion of a consumer’s “carbon footprint” only became popular following an ad campaign funded by BP in the early 2000s. Regardless, Woods’ core argument holds truth: the development of sustainable products is futile if consumers are not willing to purchase them.
The climate movement has often assumed that, given the right technology, climate-conscious consumers will readily adopt sustainable options. However, the actual consumer adoption rate proves to be quite unpredictable.
Consumer Adoption Rates
The transportation and food sectors account for approximately half of a consumer’s total emissions. Both sectors have seen significant technological advancements that could reduce emissions. Nonetheless, adoption rates have been inconsistent. For instance, while electric vehicles have 48% lower cradle-to-grave emissions than conventional vehicles, they only accounted for 7.6% of total automotive sales in the U.S. last year.
In the food industry, alternative proteins have the potential to reduce emissions by up to 90% compared to beef. Yet, their current market share is just 2%.
Overall, consumer consumption is responsible for 72% of greenhouse gas emissions. To limit global warming to 1.5 degrees Celsius, we need to cut per capita emissions by 50% within this decade. However, the full potential of emissions savings will only be realized if consumers are willing to pay for these climate technology solutions.
The Consumer Trade-Off
Although many consumers claim to value sustainability, it often falls to the wayside when compared to price, quality, or convenience. Studies have shown that support for sustainable options can plummet by 70% or more when consumers are forced to compromise on these primary factors.
For a sustainable product to see long-term adoption, it must either match or surpass the quality, convenience, or price point of its non-sustainable counterpart. Once a sustainable product is favored for reasons other than sustainability, it will likely achieve mainstream success.
For example, many consumers choose dairy alternatives because they are healthier and more enjoyable, not necessarily because they are better for the environment. The same can be seen with secondhand apparel, which is growing in popularity due to its cost-effectiveness.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the consumer remains a key player in the fight against climate change. For substantial progress towards a net zero emissions world, products must be developed that consumers prefer over traditional alternatives. Until then, it is unfair to place the bulk of the blame for climate change on consumers.
Original Story at fortune.com
The Consumer Still Reigns Supreme in Climate Technology
Tehmina Haider and Michael O’Leary on Consumers and Climate Change
Tehmina Haider and Michael O’Leary, leaders of L Catterton Impact, recently spoke on the role of consumers in the transition to clean energy. ExxonMobil CEO Darren Woods has previously faced criticism for suggesting that the slow progress towards clean energy is due to consumers’ reluctance to spend money on such fuels.
The SEC’s new rules on climate disclosures put the responsibility of emissions reporting on public companies. However, the emissions resulting from consumers using the companies’ products are not included in this, meaning these emissions are still considered part of the consumer’s carbon footprint.
Consumer Responsibility
Many climate activists disagree with placing the blame on consumers. The notion of a consumer’s “carbon footprint” only became popular following an ad campaign funded by BP in the early 2000s. Regardless, Woods’ core argument holds truth: the development of sustainable products is futile if consumers are not willing to purchase them.
The climate movement has often assumed that, given the right technology, climate-conscious consumers will readily adopt sustainable options. However, the actual consumer adoption rate proves to be quite unpredictable.
Consumer Adoption Rates
The transportation and food sectors account for approximately half of a consumer’s total emissions. Both sectors have seen significant technological advancements that could reduce emissions. Nonetheless, adoption rates have been inconsistent. For instance, while electric vehicles have 48% lower cradle-to-grave emissions than conventional vehicles, they only accounted for 7.6% of total automotive sales in the U.S. last year.
In the food industry, alternative proteins have the potential to reduce emissions by up to 90% compared to beef. Yet, their current market share is just 2%.
Overall, consumer consumption is responsible for 72% of greenhouse gas emissions. To limit global warming to 1.5 degrees Celsius, we need to cut per capita emissions by 50% within this decade. However, the full potential of emissions savings will only be realized if consumers are willing to pay for these climate technology solutions.
The Consumer Trade-Off
Although many consumers claim to value sustainability, it often falls to the wayside when compared to price, quality, or convenience. Studies have shown that support for sustainable options can plummet by 70% or more when consumers are forced to compromise on these primary factors.
For a sustainable product to see long-term adoption, it must either match or surpass the quality, convenience, or price point of its non-sustainable counterpart. Once a sustainable product is favored for reasons other than sustainability, it will likely achieve mainstream success.
For example, many consumers choose dairy alternatives because they are healthier and more enjoyable, not necessarily because they are better for the environment. The same can be seen with secondhand apparel, which is growing in popularity due to its cost-effectiveness.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the consumer remains a key player in the fight against climate change. For substantial progress towards a net zero emissions world, products must be developed that consumers prefer over traditional alternatives. Until then, it is unfair to place the bulk of the blame for climate change on consumers.
Original Story at fortune.com
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Mississippi River Faces Persistent Saltwater Intrusion, Region Seeks Long-Term Solutions
For the third consecutive year, the Mississippi River is experiencing significant saltwater intrusion, prompting local communities and environmental experts to search for sustainable solutions. This recurring issue arises as the river’s flow decreases, allowing saltwater to move upstream and threaten drinking water supplies. The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers is actively involved in addressing this problem, employing temporary measures like saltwater barriers to mitigate the impact on affected areas.
Saltwater infiltration poses serious risks to public health and agriculture, as freshwater sources become compromised. The situation is exacerbated by prolonged periods of drought, which have reduced freshwater flow in the Mississippi River. According to the National Weather Service, drought conditions have worsened due to climate change, increasing the frequency and severity of saltwater intrusion events.
Local authorities are collaborating with federal agencies to explore permanent solutions. Among the proposed strategies are enhanced levee systems and improved water management techniques. The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers is evaluating the feasibility of long-term infrastructure projects to prevent further saltwater encroachment. Additionally, community leaders are advocating for increased funding to support these initiatives and safeguard the region’s water resources.
The impact of saltwater intrusion extends beyond drinking water concerns, affecting local ecosystems and agricultural productivity. Farmers in the region have reported crop damage due to elevated salinity levels in irrigation water. The Natural Resources Conservation Service is working with farmers to implement adaptive practices, such as planting salt-tolerant crops and improving soil management techniques.
As the Mississippi River continues to face challenges from saltwater intrusion, stakeholders emphasize the importance of collaborative efforts and innovative solutions. The ongoing threat underscores the need for comprehensive planning and investment to protect one of America’s most vital waterways from the impacts of climate change and environmental stressors.
Environmental activists have raised concerns over the fossil fuel sector’s significant impact on COP29, the latest United Nations Climate Change Conference. Activists argue that the industry’s presence diverts focus from critical climate actions.
The conference, designed to promote global climate agreements, faces criticism for allowing fossil fuel companies to participate extensively. Environmental groups claim these companies undermine efforts to reduce carbon emissions and transition to renewable energy sources.
According to Climate Action Network, fossil fuel representatives have increased their lobbying activities, aiming to weaken climate policies. These industries allegedly influence negotiations, leading to watered-down commitments that fail to address the urgency of climate change effectively.
Experts suggest that the influence of these companies stems from financial contributions and longstanding relationships with decision-makers. Critics argue that this affects the conference’s ability to enforce meaningful climate change regulations.
During the event, several protests highlighted the need for transparency and a stronger focus on sustainable energy solutions. Activists are calling for increased participation of renewable energy stakeholders in future conferences.
The controversy surrounding fossil fuel involvement at COP29 underscores the ongoing challenge of balancing industrial interests with the global imperative to combat climate change.
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