Individuals - what you can do
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Hon. Pete Hodgson signs up to the Leaders' Climate Change Challenge |
Many individuals ask what they can do to reduce greenhouse gas emissions to the atmosphere. Measuring your individual, household or travel emissions helps you to target your reduction efforts on your largest sources of emissions.
Households
If most households reduced their greenhouse gas emissions or carbon footprint by just one or two tonnes of carbon dioxide equivalents (CO2-e), the combined total would make a significant contribution to reducing New Zealand's obligations under the Kyoto Protocol. The first step is to measure your greenhouse gas emissions and then take action to reduce them. The household calculator allows you to enter, calculate and store data monthly to track your progress. The manage page provides comprehensive guidance on reducing your greenhouse gas emissions.
Travellers and tourists
For many individuals travel is an unavoidable necessity; however, there are many ways to reduce these climate change impacts. The travel & tourism calculator allows you to calculate the greenhouse gas emissions associated with different modes of travel, accommodation and tourism activities. The manage page provides guidance on the measures you can take to reduce the impacts of your travel. You may be able to choose some of the carboNZero-certified products, services and events listed on the members pages.
Leaders' Climate Change Challenge
The New Zealand Government has set challenging goals to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. Achieving these goals will need determination, leadership and inspiration.
The carboNZero programme challenges New Zealand’s political and business leaders, ambassadors and celebrities to measure their personal greenhouse gas emissions and make a commitment to reduce these emissions. We believe that leaders 'walking the talk' will inspire others to take action. The CEOs of New Zealand’s top companies, mayors, and other prominent New Zealanders are invited to join the challenge.
Leaders accepting our challenge will be listed on the Leaders’ Climate Change Challenge page. As the challenge progresses, we will also list the leaders who have submitted a personal greenhouse gas inventory and emissions reduction plan that meets our requirements. The information submitted will be kept confidential. To be listed as having completed the challenge, individuals must have:
- Calculated their personal household greenhouse gas emissions for the previous 12-month period
- Completed a personal greenhouse gas inventory report
- Made a personal commitment to reduce greenhouse gas emissions
- Prepare a personal greenhouse gas emissions reduction plan
- Made public the commitment to reduce personal greenhouse gas emissions
If you are a leader and wish to be listed on our Leaders' Climate Change Challenge page, contact us.
