Visualization and engagement are two very important issues in the climate struggle. After all, if you are unable to see the problem you won’t understand WHY you need to change your way of life. Preachy and doomy messages from the media doesn’t help either even if that kind of messaging have a purpose too. Company/community/regional commitments and campaigns that engage and make the change fun may well have a better effect. It is time to try a new approach anyways. 
UNEP has a really interesting thing going during the countdown for COP 16; “30 ways in 30 days to combat climate change”. A quite simple yet very interesting initiative. Well, not simple. Some really huge initiatives like loan programs for solar energy in Indian villages has been presented thus far, which is great. Burning wood or manure to boil water is not very efficient and definitely not good for the women who cook over the fires/ovens. Not only that, that kind of cooking results in some nasty emissions of CO2, particles etc.
But it seems like more local and individual ways will be presented as well. This is exactly what will be needed if we want to change the tone of the climate debate. Climate change is not just a huge unsolvable doom clock ticking down to the end of our world. It is a serious problem, but every small step helps in brining it down. You and me can help do something against this. It is just a matter of commitment. And then we are left were we started.
What makes these case studies so great is that they show that all kinds of initiatives matter a great deal. From the large scale solar energy programs in India to the green passport campaign (second case study) its all important. You simply must applaud the UNEP for this campaign.
When talking about greener holidays, we should all think one more time when ordering our charter plane ticket to (insert destination of your choice here). Isn’t there other options available, closer to home? You could save a lot of money and reduce your personal CO2 footprint by looking for other options, or simply skipping that second holiday journey that have become popular in some places.
By the way, let’s finish by promoting our facebook app. It lets you update your status from Commute Greener!, and you can show your progress on your wall. Pretty neat way of showing how easy you can do your part in the climate struggle as well!
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Fredrik
