Dearest reader,
Thanks to the internet, evidence of climate change progressing at a rapid pace is there for the entire world to watch. The internet is flooded with an infinite list of sources on how we, as individuals, can and should help save the planet. Protecting our planet’s threatened future requires the support of every single person.
Now, I am inviting you to join me on an adventure from your imagination entering a world where individuals can be held legally responsible for their environmental impact in front of an international Court called the International Court of Environmental Responsibility (ICER).
There is a student from Germany who wishes to take the chance to study abroad in Hong Kong. Speaking of sustainability and climate change, the 12-hour flight that it takes to travel to Hong Kong is everything but environmentally friendly. We all know flying is ‘bad’ for the environment because of the large amount of generated CO2. With just a few clicks, one of the online carbon footprint calculators tells us that tells us that a one-way flight alone generates 1.8t of CO2 (https://co2.myclimate.org/en/portfolios?calculation_id=8071031). It would require the maximum carbon footprint per person to drop to 0.6t CO2/year to stop climate change (ibid). According to the Nature Conservatory, the carbon footprint cannot go above 2t/year to increase the chances of preventing a 2 degrees rise in global temperatures (https://www.nature.org/en-us/get-involved/how-to-help/carbon-footprint-calculator/#:~:text=The%20average%20carbon%20footprint%20for,start%20making%20a%20big%20difference.) Comparing this to the carbon footprint generated by the flight, the student is already overshooting. Considering this, how can the student justify the price of flying all the way to Hong Kong to study abroad?
***Submission to the ICER: Student’s sustainability action plan***
Honoured Judges of the ICER,
I respectfully request for the Court to consider my submission presenting my efforts to comply with the 2023 UN SDGs.
I recognise the environmental impact of the plane flight to Hong Kong. Journeys like this need to be made consciously and alternative modes of travel preferred where possible. It is not possible to undo the flight’s carbon emissions, but I hope that my actions during my year abroad in Hong Kong show my commitment to the 17 SDGs.
1. Public transport
I want to take advantage of Hong Kong’s well-established local public transport system which has been widely advertised as the more sustainable alternative to cars. Its low costs and efficiency, particularly in a dense city like Hong Kong, are more than convincing.
2. Recycling system
Correct waste separation is essential for recycling. The government’s publicly accessible guidance makes it easy to separate food waste, waste plastics, and waste paper. Not only does it help increase recycling but reduces landfill waste (https://www.wastereduction.gov.hk/sites/default/files/resources_centre/Green_Office_and_Property_Management-Waste_Reduction_and_Recycling_Information_Booklet.pdf).
3. Responsible and sustainable consumption
Instead of running to the next to buy new clothes, recent trends of ‘thrifting’ and ‘vintage clothes’ encouraged people to save pre-loved clothing from ending up in landfill. There are several second-hand stores distributed over Hong Kong which I will visit.
Are you convinced yet? I let you be the judge.
