Actions we can take

Carbon footprint

Our carbon footprint is the amount of CO₂ that is emitted as a result of each of us going about our lives. Individuals, schools, businesses, whole countries have a carbon footprint.

The first thing we can do to tackle climate change is to understand how our own lives cause CO₂ emissions. Only then can we make choices to act in ways that produce less CO₂.

Actions by individuals: think ‘global’ but act ‘local’.

Roll your mouse over each picture to learn more.

Try the Act On CO₂ carbon calculator to find out how much CO₂ your way of life produces. You might like to do this at home with your family, so that everyone can help find the answers.

Are you going on holiday soon? Use this calculator to compare the carbon emissions from the different ways of getting there.

International agreements

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Being in charge

The European Union has promised to reduce CO₂ emissions by 20% by 2020 and the UK to cut CO₂ by 80% by 2050. To reach these targets, action will have to take place at three levels.

Individuals will need to make choices in how to live.
Groups, such as schools and businesses will have to reorganise what they do to use less.
Governments will need to change how they regulate business, energy, transport and manufacturing so that these can be done more energy efficiently.

Be the new Prime Minister

Try this simulator. Can you reduce the UK's CO₂ output, whilst keeping the economy going and the lights on?

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