Ten New Year’s resolutions you can make to achieve net zero emissions

As we near the end of 2022, we take a look at the top ten New Year’s resolutions you can make in 2023 to bring us closer to net zero emissions.

Around the world, countries are working diligently to reduce their carbon footprint to help combat the effects of climate change. For example, the UK has detailed an ambitious strategy to reach net zero emissions by 2050. Now, green energy experts Uswitch.com have collaborated with Professor Sam Fankhauser, the Research Director of Oxford University Net Zero, to find out the top ten eco New Year’s resolutions we should make in 2023 to mitigate CO₂ significantly.

What can you do to combat climate change in 2023?

The Uswitch.com study analysed current carbon emissions and forecasted how they could change by 2050 if certain changes were introduced. The difference in the total carbon emissions of each action was calculated against the UK’s overall CO₂ emissions to identify the most effective ways to combat emissions in our everyday lives in 2023.

The research revealed a range of New Year’s resolutions that would make substantial progress toward net zero emissions, from altering our diets to changing transport options. The top ten New Year’s resolutions include:

1. Completely using renewable energy would reduce CO₂ emissions by 19%;
2. Transitioning all passenger transport to electric vehicles (EVs) would result in a 12% reduction;
3. Just 75% of cars switching to EVs would cause a 9% reduction;
4. Stopping international flights equates to an 8% reduction;
5. Everyone changing to a vegan diet would cut emissions by 7%;
6. Using trains, bikes, or buses for commuting yields a 6% reduction;
7. 50% of cars switching to EVs lower emissions by 5%;
8. Halving international flights decreases emissions by 4%;
9. Optimally insulated homes could achieve a 4% reduction; and
10. Reducing food waste could lower carbon emissions by 3%.

Ben Gallizzi, an energy expert at Uswitch.com, commented: “Reaching net zero emissions by 2050 may seem like an arduous task, but it’s interesting to see how we can all contribute with small changes to get to this goal. Every person holds a lot of power regarding our climate’s future outcome, so it’s good to showcase the daily actions we can take to make a true impact.”

The data illuminated that if everyone in the UK exclusively used energy from renewable sources and implemented energy efficiency measures, the total reduction in UK CO₂ emissions would be 19%, making this the top eco New Year’s resolution.

Coming in at number two on the list was switching to electrified transport. The study found that carbon emissions would be cut by 4% if only half of UK drivers switched to an EV, more than doubling to 9% if three-quarters make the transition, and increasing to 12% if everyone got rid of their combustion engine vehicle.

The moral of the study is that what may seem like small, individual actions can have a significant impact if taken by everyone. For example, if everyone stopped commuting by car, overall emissions would be reduced by around 7%, equivalent to about 30.5 million tons of CO_2.

As we enter 2023, making eco New Year’s resolutions could be the key to reaching our net zero emissions targets.