Why do we have to change the way we are?

[SparklyfestiveYellowFeathers]

After my horrible incident last night (see chat for further details!) I read a Grazia mag that my mum gave me.
It had an article in it about the planet, global warming and what we should be doing about it.

Now I understand that as homeowners we have some responsibilty, after all this our planet
but
the article gave lists of things that we should stop. For example, dont use budget airline as they create more gases than the normal charter flights, dont fly if its not neccessary, buy "green" cars. It even talked about cooking Salmon in your dishwasher!
Now if the situation is that bad surely it should be the government taking on these companies to get them to change rather than press on folk who can only make a little difference?
Why arent the likes of Ryan air and easy jet being targeted, why dont they find a way so people can have "green" cars instead of just expecting people to pay out and buy one.

I found it all a bit much tbh.
Does anyone else feel like this?

I read quite a good article a few months ago (in the FT I think) - it was a bit depressing but basically stated that as individuals there is very little we can do that is meaningful other than never getting on an airoplane ever again!

SfYF

Yes, it is that bad and yes, governments can target companies such as airlines who don't pay fuel duty! We pay tax when fueling our cars so why don't they?

But everyone does need to do their bit, individuals, councils, businesses and government. If society (and other countries as well) don't pull together on this one, then we're fcuked basically.

The EU is important in getting cross border cooperation on green taxes/legislation. New directives on power station emissions have meant millions being spent by businesses on the latest flue cleaning technologies for example. It's not a sexy topic so this information doesn't really get into newspapers, but they illustrate things need to be and are being done!

Flying with a guilt trip . There are several schemes which offer the chance to 'offset' the gases produced by your flights CO2 production.

Some airlines are doing something (as well as using better, newer and more eco friendly aircraft - well that's what they are saying) and the airlines, for exapmle BA have links from their websites to carbon-offset programmes. But is it effective and will the public use them?

Plant a tree for example...by the time it grows will it be too late to make a difference? There are others, but I am confussed which to choose.

Has anyone every done this? Your thoughts?

news item - If you have time take a look at this

Ftb, Interesting article. Thanks for the link.

I've never used these schemes but they all look like they are doing good work. Certainly a relatively novel way of allowing guilt to channel funds from the carbon rich to the carbon poor. I like the overseas schemes involved in distributing more efficient stoves. Slowing deforestation and therefore desertification is a number one environmental challenge in many poor countries.

But obviously you get to 'shop' for your prefered scheme.

SPYF - of course we don't have to change our ways - unless you want the human race to survive as a species.

the sixth extinction