Adam Corner's article in the Guardian made interesting, if slightly depressing reading. His argument is that most people won't change their lifestyle to become more environmentally friendly until they see that climate change will effect them directly. So he says we should try to make climate change seem more visible (people respond more to phrases like 'air pollution' than 'climate change' because it's easier to imagine).
What he says makes sense. But it's sad to think that some people may not be bothered about climate change until the river banks have burst and the water is flowing under their kitchen door. Aren't the increasingly regular reports of extreme weather conditions around the world visible enough? The severe drought in some areas and massive floods in others? What about the effects of hurricane Katrina and the thousands of people that it effects (some of whom are still trying to get their lives back together). What about the flooding in many areas of the UK in summer 2007 - was that not close enough either?
Adam Corner went on to argue that we should be setting ourselves goals (like catching public transport on a certain day) and that by making plans we are more likely to achieve them. He gives the example of catching a bus one day a week, planning that you may need more time to do this and so setting an earlier alarm or having a quick shower. All pretty obvious stuff, but if it can help people do their bit then it must be a good thing.
Thankfully more and more people recognise climate change as a very visible issue and are working hard to cut down on their carbon footprints. Campaigns like 10:10 are doing great work and making it easier for people to plan how to do their bit on step at a time. If you haven't signed up yet why not have a look at their website?
