Changing Lifestyle To Battle Climate Change Effective Than Buying Electric Cars, Says UK Chief Science Adviser

According to the United Kingdom's Chief Scientific Adviser Sir Patrick Vallance, it is not fair to expect a lot of the general population to own an electric vehicle, emphasizing that not the majority of the people, particularly in the UK, do not have the sufficient resources to do so.

Vallance expounded on many issues that people in the country face while battling climate change. Among the subjects the chief tackled are those that seemed improbable to carry out, especially by those who belong to the general public.

The discussion focused on a different side of climate change solutions, in which today, people are somehow convinced to equip themselves with advanced, 'eco friendly-based' technologies.

Vallance explained that obtaining one, such as an electric vehicle, is not necessary. Instead, the adviser suggested that a decrease in meat diet, going to work via cycling, and lesser travel on air flights could help significantly.

Sir Partick Vallance on Climate Change Solutions

UK Science Adviser: Simple Lifestyle Adjustment Solution to Climate Change, NOT Buying Electric Cars
Britain's Chief Scientific Adviser Patrick Vallance attends a press conference to outline the Government's new long-term Covid-19 plan, inside the Downing Street Briefing Room in central London on February 21, 2022. - British Prime Minister Boris Johnson has announced that the legal requirement to self-isolate following a positive Covid test in England would end on Thursday as part of a ramping down of rules. TOLGA AKMEN/AFP via Getty Images

Vallance emphasized that the majority of people living in the UK can not buy electric cars as a way to battle global warming. The chief said that it is unfair to expect or require most of a country's population to have a hold of these 'greener' vehicles.

Instead, Vallance said that there are many other ways that many of us could do in order to make an impactful effect against climate change.

Some examples that the UK science adviser laid out are eating less meat, traveling rarely by air, and using bicycles to go to work. It may seem impossible and quite trivial at first, but could actually result in a drastic improvement when aggregated across society,' Vallance continued.

During the talks on the House of Lords Environment and Climate Change Committee, the chief said that he is actively doing all those three activities recommended. Starting with oneself is the key in order for the UK to meet the climate goals of reaching the year 2050 with a net-zero government, Vallance explained.


Global Warming Have Worse Effects Than COVID Pandemic

The UK science chief compared the current race against global warming and climate change to the COVID-19 pandemic. Vallance implied that whatever is required from people in order for the government to get ahold of the improvements must be 'equitable across society.'

On the other hand, Vallance did not disregard the continuous decline in the cost of electric vehicles as well as the improvement of many charging infrastructures .

According to the update relayed by Vallance, meat consumption in the UK decreased by approximately 17 percent in the past ten years. According to the science adviser, the changes in rates serve as crucial evidence that people would always be willing to stand and change their lifestyles in order to benefit our planet.

Vallence explained that these massive changes could only be felt if people are given a clear message about the facts on the problems, initiatives, and its corresponding benefits.

It is very clear that individuals require the details on what is expected of them, and this translates to 'making the green choice the easy choice,' Vallance said.

The science adviser warned that global warming can take more lives than the pandemic if 'behavioral changes' are not carried out today. The biggest changes should be done immediately, but taking these net-zero initiatives must be viewed as investments instead of costs, Vallance added..

Check out more news and information on Climate Change in Science Times.

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