Stop blaming the public for the corporate caused climate crisis
A study published in BMJ Open Medical Journal recently made headlines with a collection of new research involving the impact of asthmatics on the world’s carbon footprint.
The researchers behind the study suggested replacing typical metered-dose inhalers (which emit hydrofluoroalkane, a type of greenhouse gas) with a more environmentally friendly alternative. However, this was not what many took away from the study; rather, the recurring theme of the responsibility for lowering global emissions being shifted to the general population.
While it is important to consider the environmental effects of your daily routine and make lifestyle changes within your personal reach, it is extremely unrealistic to suggest that the use of inhalers even slightly compares to the extent of pollution from large-scale corporations.
According to a report from the United Kingdom’s Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy, the nation’s total carbon footprint was 449 million tons of carbon dioxide equivalent, out of which only 0.635 million tons, or about 0.14% of the total, could be directly linked to inhalers.
These headlines suggest a false reality of a much larger issue; one that cannot be solved without the efforts of major corporations and industries. In fact, the 2017 Carbon Majors Report found that just 100 companies are responsible for 71% of the global emissions since 1988. Yet, the blame for the extent of carbon emissions is always shifted to the public.
Similarly, the recent introduction of electric cars and plastic straw alternatives have been advertised as necessities, leading the public to believe that the solution is within their own reach. But, by encouraging individuals to purchase these products for additional expenses, the same companies responsible for the majority of global emissions are benefiting from the general public with comparably little impact.
Using electric cars and reducing plastic straw usage may be helpful on a smaller scale, but ultimately has next to no impact when compared to the massive global oil and gas industries. Whether it be inhalers, paper straws or electric cars, don’t be convinced that fixing the problem is entirely your responsibility. It’s time for corporations to take initiative and solve the issues that they greatly influenced instead of finding somebody else to blame once again.
