CLIMATE CHAT: A fresh start

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I don’t usually mark the end of a year with partying or resolutions. I figure that reflecting and adjusting goals is an ongoing process that can happen anytime, marking a positive approach to the journey of life. This year is a different story. Personally, I’m glad to see the end of 2025, and look forward to a fresh start in 2026. Last year was a tough one, and I bet many of you share that sentiment.

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For me, it started when my car died on New Year’s day. The search for something affordable and fuel-efficient was a real eye opener. Then came the ice storm in March that snapped my hydro poles, followed by a terrible drought in summer that decimated my garden. During all of this, the backdrop of global chaos was bewildering: tariffs, rising prices, war and brutality running rampant. Surely it’s a perfect time for a reset, and more positivity in 2026.

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At least a couple of my challenges in 2025 can be directly linked to climate change, namely the ice storm and drought. Have you noticed that the incidence and intensity of climate disasters around the world increases every year? Wildfires, floods, powerful storms and severe droughts all directly result from our atmosphere holding too much of the sun’s energy. And that is caused by the carbon-thick blanket of carbon dioxide created by burning too much fossil fuel. It’s a shame that we often direct our energies to “getting through” a tough event, and then returning to life as usual as quickly as possible.

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As we’ve discussed before, long-term solutions to climate change can only result from a combination of our personal efforts, as well as putting pressure on governments and corporations to do their part too. We also know from global surveys that most people are concerned about climate change, but don’t know where to begin to do anything about it.

Climate Hero has an interesting website (climatehero.org) with a carbon calculator to help you figure out what you’re doing well, and where you could improve in reducing your impact on climate change. There’s a five-minute questionnaire that focuses on three areas: housing, travel and consumption (food and shopping). It estimates your annual carbon footprint in comparison to the global average of five tonnes of carbon per person per year.

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I like that this website tells you what you’re doing well, and gives you a pat on the back for that. We all need some encouragement and recognition for efforts already made. Then, if you’re interested, you can look at your best bets for improvement, and you’re given the opportunity to decide which actions are reasonable for you to take, and which ones are not suitable for you at this time. You can make some resolutions if you’re ready for that, and they’ll send you encouraging reminders if you choose.

There’s also an option to consider carbon offsets – contributing towards projects around the world that are growing capacity for renewable energy and reducing greenhouse gases. The website puts you in the driver’s seat, reasonably and respectfully, without judgment or recrimination.

It also encourages dialogue with others, including decision-makers in your sphere of influence. That’s a magic combo – personal and community resolve working together, bringing climate change out of the closet and into the spotlight of our creative energies. What better way to launch a new year, with optimism, friendship and dedication to the most important issue of our lifetimes.

Do you have questions or ideas to share about climate change? We’d love to hear from you. Contact us at climatechatcp@gmail.com

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