Linda Steg: “More and more people and companies are doing their bit for the climate”

The IPCC report that was released yesterday is as clear as day: countries must take joint and immediate action to limit global warming to a maximum of 1.5 degrees. The five Dutch climate experts who contributed to today’s IPCC report agree on this. One of them is Professor Linda Steg, an expert on sustainable behaviour: ‘Research shows that fear can completely paralyse people unless you also tell them what they can do to reduce the risks.’ Steg considers it important, therefore, to tell people what they as individuals can do to help remedy the situation.

IPCC report calls on countries to make a more of an effort

The current commitments of countries on limiting their greenhouse gas emissions are insufficient to keep the temperature rise below 1.5 degrees. Without the current plans being tightened, the world is heading for a global warming of about 3.2 degrees by 2100, according to the IPCC. Reducing emissions will require a far-reaching transition of key economic sectors including energy, transport, and agriculture.

Almost everyone is doing their bit

According to Steg, the very fact that so many people are concerned about the changing climate is a sign of the progress that we have made. She says that there is much more support for sustainability than most people think. Steg: ‘Of course, we still have climate sceptics, but they are a very small minority. The feeling of urgency has grown drastically in recent years. More and more people and companies are doing their bit for the climate, and very few people are ignoring the problem now. In fact, some people are campaigning for more measures to be introduced.’

What can you do yourself?

According to Steg, we really need to act now, because action taken at the individual level also really helps. Steg: ‘As individuals, we can all come together to help the climate. For example, we can produce or use sustainable energy, or we can limit our travel by plane or car. But we mustn’t underestimate the effects of initiatives such as shorter showers or turning up the thermostat less often, either. The Milieu Centraal website has lots of practical tips.’ And, says Steg, it is important to share your sustainable activities with others. You might inspire each other to make more sustainable choices. ‘Knowing that you are not alone and that people in your neighbourhood are also doing their bit can be a great help.’

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