Is Climate Change My Fault?

by Clara Kelly

There is much discussion about climate change in modern discourse. In contemporary times, there is an increased urgency to find a solution to the problem at hand. With record highs at every turn and new endangered species popping up every day, new generations are pressing at government administrations to pass more strict guidelines on the usage of materials and means of production that pollute the environment. On the flip side, some would still argue that that is simply the cyclical nature of the world and that nature just needs to take its course, putting more priority on maintaining personal freedom of consumer choice. Those that do believe in the severity of the issue are pointing fingers as to who is really at fault for the rising temperatures and dying wildlife, whether that be at the average consumer or at major corporations. 

There are many factors that play into this, ranging from personal guilt to a disdain for corporate greed. It is important to not let these biases interfere with an objective view of the matter so that we can find the most effective remedies. Consumers have started paying attention to what companies they associate with in the marketplace. Plenty of businesses have started publicly sharing their environmentally-friendly practices, leading people to feel more at ease spending their money at a business they feel share their values, but how accurate really are these messages about their sustainable practices? Let’s start the deep dive into some of these ideas.

Are big companies really hurting the environment?

There is overwhelming evidence to support this claim. An analysis by CDP, a non-profit that researches environmental impact and the state of natural resources, found that 71% of greenhouse gas emissions are linked to just 100 fossil fuel companies worldwide. Greenhouse gasses have a direct impact on the ozone layer of the atmosphere that surrounds our planet, and the tons of emissions that are pumped into the air bring consequences that are extremely hard to undo. The issue has gotten significantly more dire in recent years, in that “fossil fuel companies and their products have released more emissions in the last 28 years than in the 237 years prior to 1988” according to the study. Corporate expansion has led to companies rapidly causing damage at rates that are unprecedented and that the average consumer is simply unaware of.

Deforestation is also a major problem. Urban and commercial development do work wonders for the economy by providing jobs and a steady cash flow, but these short-term benefits do not make up for the natural land that is destroyed in the process. By tearing down the habitats of local wildlife, ecosystems are thrown off balance. Furthermore, the trees and plants found in forests are crucial for naturally processing the carbon in the air (which we’ve already established is at an all-time high). This CO2/oxygen imbalance leads to poor air quality which harms the health of the people. 

Aside from the air, toxic waste and non-biodegradable waste continue to sit in landfills and the oceans. The average consumer throws away a full trash bag or two every week (a big problem in and of itself, but more on that later), and major companies are choosing to design products with single-use plastics that end up in these trash bags. Those materials take centuries to break down, so they occupy precious land and underwater spaces or they are burned which also releases dangerous chemicals into the air. According to NPR, 55% of single-use plastic waste, equalling out to more than 130 million tons in 2019, can be traced back to just 20 companies. Companies are met with extraordinary profits at the detriment to the environment with few repercussions, receiving large funding from major banks and organizations. 

At the same time, aren’t companies kept afloat by consumer purchases?

The Consumer’s Part

Even though the average American’s carbon-footprint is infinitely smaller than that of a major corporation, the average American is also who sets the culture that big brands and administrations are held accountable by. When the general people decide that the environment must be protected, pressure is put on that leads to legislation supporting sustainable practices. I do believe that consumers feel too much personal guilt around their consumption of products, because at the end of the day that is what is mostly made available at an affordable price-point. It would be unfair to place blame for environmental decay on the average person, because of economic barriers that affect different people groups disproportionately. The most effective practice that should be adopted is advocacy. Writing to your local government and raising awareness of protective efforts snowball to real change being made by leaders, which is ultimately what really needs to happen for corporations to make more ethical decisions. Striking against a company until change is made is also effective, but again that is not always an option for consumers who may live in areas with few options for what products they purchase. 

For those who are able to make choices that support these practices, there are some ways to make change no matter how small it may seem. When the collection of people all make these changes, it is possible to make a real impact in a region. Setting this example is also influential to proving that businesses, big and small, could find ways to adopt similar methods.

Sustainable Practices for the Consumer

Listed out by the Center for Biological Diversity. There are lots of ways to shop ethically and in an environmentally-friendly manner. Some of these include limiting usage of single-use plastics, choosing to purchase clothing that has been ethically sourced, and being mindful of keeping energy/water/fuel consumption. 

Lots of areas have already started to eliminate plastic waste by encouraging shoppers to utilize reusable bags and products. Carrying around a long-lasting water bottle as opposed to buying large packs of flimsy plastic ones immediately cuts down on waste, as does using sturdy bags to carry in groceries. In addition, when shopping it helps to look for products that are packages sustainably, such as in paper containers. If something must be bought with plastic, it is important to know how to properly recycle it if possible.

Fast fashion wreaks havoc on the environment. There are crazy amounts of water used in its production, and oftentimes garments made by large companies using cheap materials (as most fast fashion brands do) follow a cyclical pattern of going out of fashion and being disposed of. This leads to wasted material that gets thrown into a landfill eventually. One way to combat this is to be thoughtful with purchases and buying timeless pieces that you could see yourself wearing over and over again. If you do end up not liking it, donating it to nonprofit organizations is a good alternative to throwing it out.

Oftentimes, people have a tendency to use resources such as water and energy with a level of carelessness. Leaving the lights on, taking unnecessarily long showers, and using excessive fuel for transportation all contribute to shortages of natural resources. Taking care to only use what is necessary can help cut back on the carbon emissions created by their production and distribution. 

To Conclude…

Making environmentally-friendly choices is imperative to preserving the state of the earth and ensuring that generations to come will be able to live in a world full of natural beauty and clean resources. The consumer has a responsibility to do their part in this fight, but more must be done to hold corporations accountable for their major contributions to global emissions. Change starts small, and if the general culture adopts a mindset of supporting sustainable practices, corporations ultimately need to satisfy the consumer to make profit and they will listen. No matter where blame is placed for the current state of the environment, it is crucial that we work together to undo the damage that has already been caused and build a framework for a better future.