A guide to a greener life
Kick the Habit: A UN Guide to Climate Neutrality by the UNEP presents solutions for individuals, NGOs, businesses, cities and countries to reduce climate footprint. For an effective emissions reduction programme, the e-book emphasises the need for a well-organised performing structure in place.
Kick the Habit: A UN Guide to Climate Neutrality
Publisher: United Nations Environment Programme, 2008
Mitigating climate change, eradicating poverty and promoting economic and political stability all demand the same solution: we must kick the carbon habit which is the underlying theme of this book.
- Cover page of the book / Photo credit: UNEP
From reducing consumption and increasing energy efficiency, to offsetting emissions via the multitude of carbon trading schemes – including the Kyoto Protocol’s Clean Development Mechanism – the opportunities are plentiful.
The fundamental message of the e-book is that we are all part of the solution. Whether an individual, a business, an organisation or a government, there are many steps one can take to reduce the climate footprint. It is a message we all must take to heart.
Written in easy to understand language, but based on the most up-to-date science and policy, it is a guide for governments, organisations small and large, businesses and individuals who want to embark on the path to climate neutrality.
Individual commitment is critical. As individuals, we are responsible for GHGs we emit directly through our daily actions – the way we live, the way we move around and what and how we consume. But we also indirectly influence what is emitted by making choices that are more or less climate-relevant – what kind of products we buy, which politicians we support, what kind of stocks we invest in.
By giving it some thought we might be able to achieve just as much in reducing GHG emissions by influencing those indirect paths as by reducing our own, direct emissions.
National governments have a key role to play in working towards climate neutrality.They can apply various instruments that can change people’s behaviour. Legislation and economic incentives, used in the right mix, will make a great difference.
This book is written by experts from many disciplines and various countries, with leading research organisations involved in preparing and reviewing the publication.
It is aimed at a broad audience, and presents solutions for individuals, businesses, cities and countries plus other groups. The book is rich in case studies, illustrations, maps and graphics and also serves as a reference publication.
