To think that everyone has to do their bit and reduce fuel consumption

[Noras]

Due to the situation in the Gulf it seems clear to me that there is an issue with fuel.

To me it seems obvious that we all have to try to slightly reduce our fuel consumption even by just a bit eg not having the heating on or turning the temperature down by a degree or so, or reducing the time that the temperature is on. Also, maybe thinking more before making a journey in the car or just driving slower to reduce fuel consumption.

Even if we all reduced our fuel consumption by 10% more that would make a huge difference I think.

So am I unreasonable to think like that?

It is part of the bigger picture of people putting their needs first

Everyone saying ,’China’ and throwing up their hands is missing the point.

China is by far the world’s largest country. Per person, their carbon emissions are middle of the pack. China is a developing nation and these always have larger carbon footprints. It is a huge manufacturer
and net exporter. Everyone in the UK who buys anything made in China benefits from their carbon footprint.

To compare, China emits about 9 metric tonnes pp whilst the UK emits 4 to 5. But we are a developed nation with almost no manufacturing, and do not have either the extreme heat or extreme cold of large swathes of China.

The Chinese are in the midst of developing the world’s largest renewables programme.

No, I do not have any ties to China.

India is in roughly a similar situation.

The biggest carbon footprints per person are to be found in the oil producing nations of the Middle East. The US and Canada are not far behind.

PS My data source is The World Bank, 2024

I can’t.

tell me how the op would know that as I drive past her?

Why shouldn’t people put their own needs first?

I don't think anyone should drive less or do anything less. We should invest in improving fuel and energy efficiency and that. And decarbonisation of what we do. None of this "don't fly or don't use your car" nonsense.

Literally this. I’m going to put my need to be warm first because otherwise im in pain. Same with driving to the shop.

China added approx. 80GW of coal electricity generating capacity in 2025.

That is twice the electricity generating output of the UK. And note that was just the amount of power added from coal. In one year.

Yes, China may have the worlds largest renewable generating capacity, but then it should have because it is the worlds biggest country.

The question isn't whether China is working hard in renewables. The question is whether it is taking the same level of pain in the conversion process that everyone else it.

Yes we are outsourcing our manufacturing to China. The question is though, its it really sensible to cut our own fossil fuel plants (causing us massive pain in the process) and outsource our manufacturing to China, only for them to power that through the use of coal generated electricity ?

Ultimately it may allow us to crow about how little fossil fuel power we use (of course there is a price to pay for that crowing in the cost of electricity to everyone), but in terms of net world it achieves nothing in reducing the amount of fossil fuels used.

I do agree with you here. Sometimes I think I would enjoy a stimulating discussion with you in pleasant surroundings. 🍷 We have our share of differences but they could be discussed in a civilised manner.

Absent pressing security concerns I think most well known people could and should make reasonably short journeys on the ground. Heads of state or government (and, I think, working members of the British RF) need not stop for traffic lights, never mind traffic, so they have little excuse for their many short helicopter journeys. This would be a good start. The public would notice.

Entertainers are more effective role models.
Does anyone know of any who fly commercial? We could make a point of supporting them

I don’t disagree.

I believe we need a much stronger manufacturing base, urgently. I also support a shift to both nuclear and renewables, but manufacturing can’t wait. That means our carbon footprint will increase.

I agree with you OP that fuel consumption can be reduced. I'd do it in a more blunt way were it my choice, starting with larger and high performance cars requiring a different licence. Fuel consumption would reduce if no one had the kind of large engined BMW that is not necessary (other car makes apply, this is an example).

Why on earth would OP need to know that?

Because she’s judging people for driving short journeys when she doesn’t know the reasons for them,

Vehicle Excise Duty does a bit of this. The first year tax rates are calculated according to carbon emissions. The highest rate is about £5600 pa!

I don’t think one year is enough. I think that ideally the rate differentials would be indefinite, if perhaps less drastic. This would need to be phased in over time so that car owners could plan accordingly.

My post abovewas for @LlynTegid

So because some people have to drive, we cant talk about the ones that dont need to?

Of course we can talk about them - but it’s probably best not to judge every single person you see without knowing their reasons 🤷‍♀️

She's saying everyone needs to do their bit to reduce fuel consumption. For those who have perfectly legitimate reasons for not being able to, and who already drive in a fuel efficient manner, there is no 'bit' for them to do. No one is judging anyone, you're just being dramatic and looking for criticism where there is none.

The point is that how does she know who has a valid reason and who doesn’t without asking them?

Exactly this. And if she asked me I’d like to think I’d tell her it was none of her business - more likely I’d tell her personal information she has no right to and cry all the way home and for the rest of the day.

She doesn’t need to know. She’s making a constructive suggestion, she’s not implementing and enforcing a policy.

We live in the country and don't have mains gas so our central heating is oil fired. The price of heating oil is sky high at present so we are trying to make what we have in the tank last longer in the hope that it will have dropped before our next refill. Actually I'm feeling slightly smug. DH has a habit of putting the heating on all day when he is working from home but I seldom do. I've been telling him for ages that it's wasteful and he should just put another jumper on if he's cold. He's finally doing it and doesn't appear to have died of hypothermia yet!
DH's car is electric and we're using that more than mine which is diesel. When I replace mine I will almost certainly get an EV too but since it's still in good working order and I don't use it much since I retired - I cycle for most local journeys unless the weather is awful - I'm not sure there's a huge environmental gain from me swapping it now and it certainly wouldn't make financial sense.
In all honesty, we've made some lifestyle changes to cut our living costs rather than because we are eco warriors but I think there are environmental benefits as a side effect and that's got to be a good thing.

Yes you are unreasonable OP. I for one am tired of having to constantly downgrade my lifestyle as a direct result of patriarchy and male behaviour. Two idiotic men start a war so I should freeze in my house as a result? No chance. I’m sick of this race to the bottom while the likes of Trump set the world on fire. If this is the end times I’ll go in comfort with my heating on.

Just leave your car parked at/around school overnight and walk to/from school would be a good solution. You'd still drop off child at same time and go on to work in car

You should only make constructive suggestions when you know people's circumstances, otherwise you're just going to piss people off and get their backs off.