As the Copenhagen summit continues this week, the head of a campaign to get Britons to cut their carbon emissions insists we can all make a difference in the fight against climate change.
A research from Swiss Re, the international reinsurer shows that the total cost to society of natural catastrophes and man-made disasters in 2009 was USD 52 billion.
This highlights the relationship between the insurance and reinsurance industry and the weather and climate change issues.
10:10 aims to encourage individuals, companies and institutions to reduce their carbon footprints by 10 percent during 2010.
Campaign founder Franny Armstrong says the idea is simple: those signing up must commit to “seriously trying” to cut their emissions by taking “immediate and effective” action.
“It’s not just about hitting targets, it’s all about starting on a journey, and once we get started on that journey, people will see the benefits,” she said.
For individuals it might mean walking to work instead of taking the car, turning down the thermostat or cutting down on wasted food — small changes that can have a big effect on the climate and save us money.
The 10 percent target cut is in line with what scientists say we need over the next 18 months.
Armstrong acknowledged how easy it is to feel powerless in the face of a huge problem like climate change, but she said, “for most people the 10:10 goal is achievable.”
Over the next year, the campaign hopes to lead Britain on its first steps to becoming a zero-carbon society.
“One of the best things is that everyone can take part, from kids at school, to parents in the workplace,” Armstrong said.
“As more people come on board, we hope they will inspire others by example,” she added.
Since the campaign launched on September 1, the idea has been catching on fast.
More than 20,000 people have so far signed up as well as 1,000 schools, 100 councils and 2,000 businesses such as T-mobile, the Hay Festival and Royal Mail.
Last month, Stoke-on-Trent became the very first city to take the 10:10 pledge.
10:10 has picked up support from politicians including the entire cabinet, the Conservative opposition shadow cabinet and the Liberal Democrat party’s frontbench.
Climate Change Secretary Ed Miliband is currently working to get all 423 councils in England and Wales on board.
The movement has also gained momentum overseas with participating groups now signed up from 27 countries across Europe, the United States and Australia.
10:10 hopes to have built up enough numbers to strengthen the Miliband’s resolve to commit the UK to big emissions cuts when at the UN talks in Copenhagen.
