My Climate Impact 2024
My second annual report
Last year, I presented my first annual personal Climate Impact report. My intention was twofold: to track my own progress in reducing my climate footprint, and to provide transparency for my family, friends & fellow citizens about my environmental footprint & reduction strategy.
I believe this second report demonstrates modest progress, though there remain many opportunities for improvement. Many of my friends are leading in various areas, having switched to electric cars, heat pumps, second-hand purchasing platforms, and more.
Travel
I’m proud to say I slashed my private car miles by over a third in 2024.
This was mostly achieved through using the train for journeys I previously thought too awkward for public transport. Not only did I survive hauling my suitcase around the country, but the train journeys were more productive than losing time behind the wheel.
The reduction in foot travel was due to my prolonged illness after UTS, and injury sustained in the Pyrenees. I hope to be back to my usual perambulating self in 2025!
International Travel
I made 1 trip involving three countries (France, Spain and Andorra). I travelled by train (c. 2,800km), car share (c. 300km) and fastpack.
This was a similar amount of international travel as compared to 2022. Again, this was the result of a conscious decision to focus on local races and breaks within the UK.
To reiterate: my aim is not to reduce international travel to zero, but to favour local where possible. When I do decide to travel, I will use low carbon forms of travel where at all feasible.
Food
For the fifth year running, I consumed a 100% plant-based diet (even during the Spine, during the now infamous Alston vegan lasagne exhaustion!)
For the third year running, I grew some of my own food in my front garden. However, I had far less success this year, in no small part due to the strange weather patterns caused by climate change. The unusually wet conditions were a boon for slugs and snails who consumed many of my plants, despite my painstaking efforts to relocate them.
There were slim pickings throughout my crop of courgettes, lettuces, peppers, french beans and strawberries, while my tomatoes succumbed to blight for an almost total loss. However, I still had respectable results with runner beans, broccoli, loganberries, and of course my trusty perpetual spinach.
For the first time, I grew some of my crop from seed in a mini greenhouse. Results were mixed, with some rather hot days scorching my vulnerable seedlings, and the greenhouse offering little protection from the slugs. That said, it was particularly satisfying seeing crops mature from seed to harvest.
Energy
I use a 100% renewable electricity energy supplier. I achieved a marginal reduction in consumption by switching out some old, inefficient tech, and being more mindful of my use of central heating. A running midlayer and an OMM Core beanie can go a long way!
Running
I have maintained my membership of The Green Runners, as part of which I am renewing the following pledges:
Prefer local races & training
Make my journeys by foot, bike, train, bus or carpool where possible
Be proud of & publicise kit longevity/repair
Track and report my carbon footprint annually
Last year I signed off my climate report by showing a photo of my slightly knackered trail shoes with 2,190km on the clock. Since then, I repaired them following The Green Runner’s recommended protocol, and I’m pleased to report they’re continuing to serve me well. They have now chalked up some 3,312km.
Long may it continue!
Heading into 2025, I will continue my environmental progress, while advocating for those whose voices are marginalised. Both within the UK, and overseas, including the victims of the unimaginably horrific genocide being perpetrated in the Middle East.
Let’s all work toward environmental and humanitarian justice for all in 2025 🙏