In my latest video, I talk about why we all need a personal net zero target.
Watch the video here https://youtu.be/jtZbIORVfRY
The reality of climate change is undeniable. From rising sea levels to extreme weather events, the consequences of inaction are staring us in the face. Governments, corporations, and international organizations have critical roles to play, but I’ve come to realize that the responsibility doesn’t stop there. We, as individuals, must step up.
That’s why I’ve made a personal commitment: to achieve net zero carbon emissions by 2030.
Why Personal Accountability Matters
We often point fingers at others when discussing climate change. But the truth is, a large portion of CO2 emissions comes directly from our consumption—what we buy, how we travel, how we cool or heat our homes, and the food we eat.
Take Malaysia, for instance. The country produced 290 million metric tonnes of CO2 in 2023, with an average of 8.6 metric tonnes per person annually. This figure includes everything from transportation to energy usage. That’s not just a number—it’s a stark reminder of the role each of us plays in contributing to climate change.
If I emit 8.6 tonnes of CO2 annually, reducing it by just 10% would mean cutting 860 kg of CO2—a seemingly small amount. But if a million people made the same commitment, we could collectively reduce emissions by 860,000 metric tonnes.
Small Actions, Big Impact
Achieving net zero sounds like a monumental task, but it starts with small, conscious decisions. Here are a few examples of how we can chip away at our carbon footprints:
1. Reduce Car Usage
• The average car emits 269 grams of CO2 per kilometer. Driving just 260 km less per month can significantly reduce emissions. That’s like skipping one trip to a far-off shopping mall or combining errands into fewer trips.
2. Cut Air Conditioning Usage
• A typical two-kilowatt air conditioner produces 1.4 tonnes of CO2 annually when used for 8 hours a day, 20 days a month. Reducing usage by just 1 hour per day can cut emissions by 170 kg annually. If we extend this to workplaces and multi-AC households, the impact grows exponentially.
3. Reconsider Diet Choices
• The carbon footprint of a single 8-ounce steak can be as high as 17.8 kg of CO2e, depending on where the cow was raised. Reducing beef consumption—or even swapping it out occasionally for plant-based options—can make a noticeable difference.
Awareness is Key
As consumers, every choice we make has a carbon cost. This realization has been eye-opening for me. I still drive, use air conditioning, and enjoy beef occasionally—but I’m learning that these decisions come with a price. And it’s a price I believe we should pay, rather than passing it on to future generations.
This growing awareness has led me to embark on this journey to net zero. It’s not about perfection or preaching—it’s about taking responsibility, learning, and making meaningful changes over time.
What’s Next?
My journey starts with Stage 1: Tracking My Emissions. Over the next few months, I’ll establish a baseline by analyzing my energy usage, travel habits, and consumption patterns. From there, I’ll create a roadmap to reduce and offset my emissions over the next five years.
I know this won’t be easy. I’ve already had a taste of the discomfort during my master’s studies at Sunway University, where I opted to take the LRT instead of driving. It meant enduring a 90-minute commute versus a 30-minute drive. It wasn’t convenient—but it was a step in the right direction.
The question I keep asking myself is: Will the discomfort be worth it? I don’t have the answer yet. But I’m committed to finding out.
Join Me on This Journey
I’m sharing this experience not to boast or preach, but to inspire and connect. Imagine what’s possible if millions of us take small steps together. We have the power to create a ripple effect that can turn the tide on climate change.
Let’s start today.
What small changes can you make to reduce your carbon footprint? Share your thoughts in the comments—I’d love to hear your ideas and experiences.
Together, we can make a difference.
#NetZero #SustainabilityJourney #ClimateAction #PersonalResponsibility