You have probably noticed that our summers in the Netherlands are becoming hotter and our winters are becoming milder. “Studies have shown that average daytime temperatures and the chance of summer heat waves are increasing. Moreover, the average temperatures at night are increasing even faster,” says environmental scientist Joyce Bosmans. The latter has a particularly large effect on our comfort. As a result, we are buying air conditioners in droves.
“Last year I came across a Finnish study which showed that all air conditioning systems in the world need as much electricity as is currently generated by solar panels. More solar power is a positive development, but the increased demand for air conditioning means that much of this power will theoretically be used for cooling. As the climate heats up, this will not solve the energy problem.”
Energy demand continues to rise
At Radboud University, Bosmans is studying the environmental impact of renewable energy sources, such as solar parks and wind farms. For example, she is calculating the extent to which solar parks contribute to the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions worldwide when various aspects are taken into account: how they are manufactured, when and where they are used and their design. “In our latest studies, we confirmed that solar parks and wind turbines are always greener than the cleanest forms of fossil energy generation currently in use, even though most solar panels are still produced using fossil energy.”
But our continually rising energy demand is why we have a climate problem, says Bosmans. “Compared to the rest of the world, the Netherlands is a relatively wealthy country, which means that our energy demand is relatively high. For example, this is shown by our holidays: Many Dutch people consider it normal to go on holiday several times a year and to fly to distant destinations.” Worldwide, about 5% of greenhouse gas emissions are caused by holiday travel.
Your contribution to reduced CO2 emissions
“The policy at our research group is to travel by train as much as possible, for example when we have a conference in Europe. And if we still have to fly, we combine all the flights of the department and compensate these emissions in one go. In collaboration with Optimal Planet, my colleague Kiane de Kleijne previously worked out the best compensation approach for our group. We decided on the Fair Climate Fund because this organisation finances small projects in developing countries that enable people to take measures such as reducing emissions from cooking and combating deforestation. These projects would not have happened out without this help, so their financial support really adds something.” De Kleijne also concluded that direct flights are preferable.
If you want to contribute to reducing CO2 emissions, you should start by examining your own energy consumption. “Do you travel frequently by air, for example? Then try to look for alternative forms of transport. If you do not travel much by air, you can consider reducing your meat consumption or insulating your house. There is also a lot to gain in those areas. Personally, I think the Milieucentraal CO2 calculator is a good resource for calculating your own environmental footprint.”
Of course, major reductions in CO2 emissions cannot be achieved through individual actions alone. This also requires large-scale policy. “I think citizens can use their consumption pattern to put pressure on producers (i.e. without demand there will be no production), but at the same time I don't think there is enough momentum among individuals to really do that on a large scale, at least not in the short term. Besides their role in reducing their own greenhouse gas emissions, the government and private sector also have a responsibility to inform citizens so that everyone can make the best choices.”
Compensate for your holiday
Are you going on holiday this summer? Then the greenest option is not to travel by air. To calculate the emissions from your holiday travel, go to the Milieucentraal website, where you can also read about how you can compensate for these emissions. This can be done in various ways, such as planting trees, replacing fossil energy with clean sources and investing in energy-saving projects. Read more about how you can compensate effectively.
Photo: Nick Fewings via Unsplash.