How to Live a Low-Carbon Life

by Chris Goodall

Climate change is the greatest challenge facing humanity: drastic reduction of carbon emissions is vital if we are to avoid a catastrophe that devastates large parts of the world. Governments and businesses have been slow to act and individuals now need to take the lead. The Earth can absorb no more than 3 tonnes of carbon dioxide emissions each year for every person on the planet if we are to keep temperature and rainfall change within tolerable limits. Yet from cars and holiday flights to household appliances and the food on our plates, Western consumer lifestyles leave each of us responsible for over 12 tonnes of carbon dioxide a year - four times what the Earth can handle. Individual action is essential if we want to avoid climate chaos. How to Live a Low-Carbon Life shows how easy it is to take responsibility, providing the first comprehensive, one-stop reference guide to calculating your CO2 emissions and reducing them to a sustainable 3 tonnes a year.

Genres: Nonfiction, Environment, Climate Change, Sustainability

336 pages, Paperback

First published February 8, 2007

Reviews

[Richard · Rating 4 out of 5]

A very thorough book that attempts to practically answer the title question quantitatively. It applies specifically to the UK, but there are many aspects in common with other countries. A very useful book for those who actually want to make a difference.

While the information was useful, I would have liked to see more visual or graphical summaries of the wealth of data to make it more readily accessible. Some really good infographics would add a lot to the book (although maybe later editions have this).

[Calum Mackenzie · Rating 4 out of 5]

A good book with lots of facts, research and ideas…..however a lot of the ideas are only helpful if a) you own , not rent, your house and b) you can afford to do all the things it recommends

At times it’s dry but if you’re a wealthy, homeowner who’s serious about lowering your carbon footprint then this is the book for you. For anyone else - lend from the library or buy second hand ( better for the environment too 😊)

[Deepti · Rating 4 out of 5]

I've always wondered quantitatively what are the actions one can take to reduce their carbon footprint instead of just guidelines, this book albeit from a UK context and possibly dated, does just that. Gives a slightly overlong but good picture of individual accountability actions

[Karen · Rating 3 out of 5]

If your reaction is 'what for' this book isn't for you. If you've got the Prius, the wind turbine and solar panels this is unlikely to be hard hitting enough. Probably already too out of date, the basic message is that waiting for everyone else (or the government) is not the way ahead - even if it is the only solution - and what we need is committed individuals who are ready to do their bit whilst every one laughs at them. If you're already interested and involved then the chances are you are already doing most of the things explained here, but it's good to get some facts and figures to reassure you your actions are right. If you can do only one thing - don't fly, never again

[Molly · Rating 2 out of 5]

Goodall has some interesting ideas to cut back on your personal carbon footprint. You just have to remember that his thesis may be hypocritical and lack sense. He says government is useless and will never cause change. The individual can have the biggest impact on CO2 in the atmosphere. Ok Goodall, so now you're running for office in the UK? Riiiight.

[D. · Rating 2 out of 5]

All in all I felt this book took up too much space regurgitating information but was, overall, a decent enough reference book for people wanting to learn how to make a personal impact.

[Juli · Rating 5 out of 5]

Here's an environmental wakeup call!