Few people would consider the large contribution to the household carbon footprint of food. However, a recent study from Taverner Research shows household carbon emissions total on average 38.7 tonnes per year of which almost half is due to food (47%). The rest is travel (27%), Household Energy - including electricity, gas, heating and cooling (24%) and Waste (2%). Find out more ...

In recent months the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change has come under a lot of criticism, but a recent independent investigation found that the scientific findings were sound - mankind is changing the climate. The six month investigation by the InterAcademy Council of 15 National Scientific Academies recommended the IPCC needed to become more transparent and apply its guidelines more rigorously.

The pressures for accurate research are growing. The longer it takes to convince disbelievers of climate change the more severe the consequences. The foundations of IPCC research are real. Adopting the recommendations from the investigation will strengthen the support for future IPCC research. Read the report ...

It is possible for a country to change to 100% renewable energy in ten years. This is not the dreams of a "zealous greenie". It is the findings of a substantial Australian research project, "Zero Carbon Australia Stationary Energy Plan", authored by a team of engineers and scientists with relevant industry and academic backgrounds and supported by scientific and political leaders.

Like all things that seem too good to be true there is a catch: it requires a substantial investment. An investment in Concentrated Solar Thermal and Wind Turbines. To kick-start this investment requires a carbon price to shift the balance away from fossil fuels. Guest speakers at the Sydney launch of Beyond Zero Emissions Plan all agreed that the most efficient and effective carbon price comes from a carbon market.

While this research is specific to Australia it is an indication to world that renewables becoming an important energy source within our life times is a reality. Find out more ...

You have heard the saying "you are what you eat", but just as true is the saying "the climate is what you eat"! With food being such a large proportion of household carbon emissions (47%) it is clear that changing food habits offers a big opportunity to reduce your carbon footprint.

It's not just what you buy to eat, but what you buy that is wasted. Almost half the food produced is wasted (Science NetLinks). Wasted food results in a double whammy of unnecessary carbon emissions from growing to delivering the food, plus the carbon emissions from wasted food rotting in landfill.

The Stop Trashing the Climate report shows that significantly decreasing waste disposed in landfills and incinerators will reduce greenhouse gas emissions the equivalent to closing one in every five U.S. coal-fired power plants.

The message is not to give up food, but rather to think about the choices you make. Just like the choice that leads to wiser energy use, you can be wiser about the food you purchase and consume. A recent comment on the Climakind Blog in reply to the "Big Carbon Footprint in Food" was a reminder of how far ahead Europe is in informing consumers, with the introduction of carbon reduction labels on foods.

CERT 6 (Carbon Emission Reduction Tip 6) is to consider the food you buy - eat wisely and waste little - the climate is what you eat!

Climakind Progress Report - Improving your understanding of climate change

See www.climakind.com for more information, copyright and terms of use and privacy policy

Find out why you should Cancel Carbon Emission Credits

3 September 2010

Level 12,

One Pacific Highway

North Sydney, NSW 2060

Australia

t +612 9959 1051

f +612 9959 3003

Michael Salvatico