It’s just over two years since the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic, which sent shockwaves across the globe, forcing entire countries into lockdown and causing worldwide disruption to families, healthcare systems, businesses, transportation, and supply chains.
Despite the fears and uncertainty, there was a growing optimism that the reduction in global travel, industry and corporate activity would have a significant impact on reducing carbon emissions, fuelling the appetite for cleaner, more renewable energy solutions.
A study published in the journal Nature Climate Change showed that daily emissions decreased by 17% (17 million tonnes) of carbon dioxide – globally during the peak of the lockdown measures in early April 2020 compared to mean daily levels in 2019, dropping to levels last observed in 2006.
Prof Corinne Le Quéré of the University of East Anglia, in the UK, who led the analysis said: “Population confinement led to drastic changes in energy use and CO2 emissions”.
“These extreme decreases are likely to be temporary though, as they do not reflect structural changes in the economic, transport, or energy systems.” (Source: University of East Anglia, 19 May 2020)
For years, fossil fuel companies and governments have continued to push the idea that we ‘as individuals’ need to be doing more to reduce our personal carbon footprint.
However, with significant carbon emissions and greenhouse gases still coming from global energy production, transportation, deforestation and the burning of fossil fuels, there’s a fundamental need for companies to generate cleaner and more renewable energy solutions.
We support this objective through the inclusion of Renewable Energy Investments in our Ethical Investment portfolios.
If you would like to discuss ethical investments further, please contact us at info@mmwealth.co.uk
