By Paloma Dottori, for the NINJA Collaborative Coverage at COP26 

One of the most frustrating things about climate changes is the fact that scientists have been warning us, for years, about the temperature increases, thus, previous actions could have avoided the worsening of the present situation. Now, humankind, must develop individual and collective actions to limit the temperature increase to relatively safe levels, which means of 1.5oC in the next two decades. And, obviously, make pressure on their rulers,

As of this Sunday (October 31st), world leaders will be gathering until November 12, to think about ambitious goals and to develop immediate practical measures, it is important to pay attention what will be defined at the COP26, because after all it is the future of the planet and of future generations which are at stake. You may be asking yourself, is it so severe as scientists say?

Yes! The fact is that carbon emissions “feed” climate changes and therefore, extreme climate events take place. The fact is that carbon emissions increase global temperatures, retaining solar energy in the atmosphere, which has severe effects for humans and our environment. 

Such emissions also dwindle water supplies, change climate patters, modifying season`s patterns, interrupt the growth of food crops, cause climate catastrophes and the increase of the sea level, changes which are already quite perceptible.

These gases are issued into the atmosphere during the life cycle of a product, process or service, by people, companies and governments. And therein are included activities such as deforestation, burning of fossil fuels, cement production, among others.

This is where carbon print has a role, something like the footprint we leave in the environment. The carbon print estimates the impact of activities in terms of the Earth’s biocapacity. It means that it measures the necessary amount of energy needed to produce the resources that an individual, countries or the economic activity consumes to absorb the residues it generates, taking in consideration technology, management, and sale of consumer goods. Through the carbon print we may identify the main emissions sources of the supply chains of a certain product, companies, events, or even of a country.

The results of the footprint and biocapacity of countries are annually calculated by the Global Footprint Network, and the data are collected in collaboration with governments, serving to improve data and methodology used for the national balances of the Environmental Footprint.

The goal is to, as soon as information is supplied, have interested parties to take decisions in order to take actions to reduce emissions.

If you wish to calculate your carbon footprint, click here. The test evaluates consumption and presents the results, compared to global average.

Why should I know if my footprint is important?

Because everything you purchase or own – be it a piece of clothing, a car, house, fruit, or even your own garbage – has its footprint.

Is the Earth overwhelmed by our footprints?

Do you know the story of the grain of sand? We are a grain of sand in the Universe, while there are people who have a truck full of sand. But we also can change our behavior. We must pay attention to what we produce and consume, and thus reduce our footprint.

We may take many actions: drive less, decide for sustainable products, eat less meat and so on. If we all contribute, we may decrease the overload on planet Earth. Our planet does not have sufficient biocapacity to neutralize all carbon dioxide resulting from burning fossil fuels and to meet all our demands,

It is necessary to implement much needed measures to achieve maximum reduction of our carbon footprint if we aim for a sustainable future, even knowing that there are the companies and the largest world economic powers who are the biggest generators and liable for such emissions due to their activities.

Brazil occupies the sixth place in this ranking, with 3.2% of the world total emissions, according to the survey published by SEEG (System for Greenhouse Gases Estimate Emissions and Removals)  

 @MidiaNinja and @CasaNinjaAmazonia carries out a special coverage of COP26. Follow tag #ninjanacop in the networks!

Translated by Ana Ruth Kleinberger, Catálogo de Intérpretes