What can individuals do to combat climate change… and How can we encourage people to take these actions ? By Luca Wermelinger

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It is really hard to make people change their habits because in many cases people prefer to take their own car to go to work because it is more comfortable than taking the bus. They are on their own, they are not reliant on the bus’ schedule.

So we might find out ways to change their habits by little steps, not radical ways like forcing them to take the bus for example.

Regarding transport the government could subsidise public transport more than nowadays, so that tickets are cheaper or even free. One of the problems which might occur is that the buses could be overcrowded then. However it would be a great progress in the fight against climate change.

But the problem isn’t just with car journeys but also flights. For short-haul flights the price should be much more expensive than by train. People might think it is worth taking the plane instead of taking the train for short distances even if it is more expensive just because it is faster and more comfortable. Indeed, when you’re taking the plane you don’t have to carry on your luggage, you know it is in a safe place.

Although I think that people are  less concerned with their comfort than saving money when there is a huge difference in the prices. After all, I think that the government should introduce an obligation for airline companies to increase their prices or to decrease train trip prices.

The other aspect of the climate change we are responsible for is our difficulty to sort out our rubbish, and that’s a big problem these days. The solution could be that we have to charge more for the trash bags to make people thoughtful about recycling as we do in Switzerland. Another aspect of it is to get a free access to the recycling centre, so that people are encouraged to sort out their rubbish.  

Moreover a huge topic in the fight against climate change involves steps any person could take to reduce their water consumption. 

I am amazed at the  number of people who have a daily bath. I agree that in some cases it is the only  moment of relaxation in the day but when it is too often it is a disgrace and disrespectful. I mean that a shower is as effective as a bath and uses much less water.

Besides we should establish a prevention morning in every school once a year to make children aware that they should turn off the water while their brushing their teeth as we do in the primary school in Switzerland.

As a conclusion I would say that it is more a matter of education and lifestyle. If you grow up as a respectful child, you will be more aware and concerned about the environment than other children. As it’s my own opinion it won’t work for every situation and it won’t make any big changes in our unforgivable attitude towards climate change.