Everyday Energy Choices: The Hidden Power You Hold in the Fight Against Climate Change

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When we think about climate change, we often picture smokestacks, oil refineries, or traffic-choked highways. While these are major sources of greenhouse gases (GHGs), the truth is that everyday choices we make-right from our homes-also play a huge role in shaping our planet’s climate.

Sounds intense? It is. But here’s the good news: your actions matter and you have more power than you think.

Let’s break it down.

How Energy Use Is Heating Our Planet

The majority of the energy we use for electricity, transportation, manufacturing, and cooking comes from fossil fuels mainly coal, oil, and natural gas. When burned, these fuels release greenhouse gases like carbon dioxide (CO₂) and methane (CH₄) into the atmosphere. These gases trap heat, causing what’s known as the greenhouse effect, which disrupts Earth’s natural temperature balance.

According to the IPCC 2023 synthesis report, energy-related emissions account for nearly 75% of total global greenhouse gas emissions. This means the way we produce and consume energy is the single largest driver of climate change.

Where Do Countries Stand in 2024?

As of 2024, a few countries remain responsible for the majority of global greenhouse gas emissions:

  • China is the world’s largest emitter, producing approximately 12.6 billion tonnes of CO₂ annually(32.88%). The country relies heavily on coal, which still powers more than 55% of its electricity generation. However, China also leads in renewable energy investments, particularly in solar and wind.

  • The United States emits around 5.1 billion tonnes of CO₂ (12.60%), making it the second-largest contributor. Despite a smaller population, its high per capita energy use stems from a heavy reliance on fossil fuels for transportation, heating, and industry. Renewable energy makes up about 22% of its electricity mix.

  • India ranks third in total emissions at approximately 2.9 to 3.1 billion tonnes (6.99%), but its per capita emissions remain low at 2.1 tonnes per person. Coal powers over 56% of India’s electricity, though renewables have grown to about 24% of the energy mix. India is rapidly expanding its solar capacity, aiming to meet its updated climate commitments under the Paris Agreement.

Globally, fossil CO₂ emissions account for 73.7% of all greenhouse gases, followed by methane (18.9%), nitrous oxide (4.7%), and fluorinated gases (F-gases) (2.7%). Energy production, especially from coal, oil, and natural gas, remains the dominant source.

While governments work toward net-zero goals, individual and community-level actions remain essential to closing the climate gap.

India's Energy Mix



Why Your Daily Energy Choices Matter

Many people believe their personal choices are too small to influence the global climate but that’s a myth. In reality, it is billions of small, everyday decisions that collectively shape global energy demand and emissions. From the moment you switch on a light, plug in your phone, or run the washing machine, you're engaging with an energy system-one that is still heavily dependent on fossil fuels in many parts of the world.

Let’s explore how daily habits create ripple effects:

Charging Your Smartphone
One full charge emits around 4-8 grams of CO₂, which seems negligible. But when multiplied across 6.9 billion smartphones, this results in nearly 30 million tonnes of CO₂ emissions per year globally. That’s more than the total annual emissions of some small countries.

Leaving a Fan Running Overnight
A ceiling fan consumes about 0.4 kWh per night. Over a year, that’s 146 kWh per household, equating to roughly 100 kg of CO₂ in regions still powered by coal. Multiply that across millions of homes, and the numbers escalate rapidly.

Air Conditioning in Urban India
In Indian cities, air conditioner usage during peak summer can spike electricity demand by up to 40%. This surge often relies on coal-fired power, worsening emissions and straining the energy grid.

Washing Clothes
Washing one load in hot water emits about 2 kg of CO₂. By switching to cold water, you can reduce this by 90%, saving both energy and emissions.

These examples reveal a simple truth: your actions do matter. Every time you reduce, switch off, or opt for efficiency, you help reduce demand on fossil fuel systems.

By becoming aware of these impacts, we can begin to shift behaviors not just to save on electricity bills, but to actively participate in climate solutions. When millions act together, real change becomes possible.

What You Can Actually Do: Realistic & Impactful Changes for Climate Action

1. Home Energy Habits: Make Every Unit Count

Switch to LEDs: Use 80% less energy than incandescent bulbs and last 10x longer. One LED can save ~20 kg of CO₂ annually.

Unplug idle electronics: Chargers, TVs, and microwaves draw "phantom power" even when turned off.

Maximize natural light & ventilation: Reduce dependence on lights and fans during the day.

Adopt solar power:

  • In India, install rooftop panels under schemes like PM Surya Ghar Muft Bijli Yojana or PM-KUSUM.

  • Even without panels, consider solar-powered lamps, fans, or power banks.

Get energy audits 

2. Smart Use of Cooling Devices

Set AC temperature between 24–26°C: Every degree lower increases energy use by ~6%.

Keep filters clean and rooms sealed for efficient cooling.

In cooler seasons, rely on fans or natural ventilation.

3. Rethink the Way You Travel

Transportation is a major emitter-globally and locally.

Walk or cycle short distances-boosts health and reduces emissions.

Use public transport or carpool-one shared ride can reduce emissions by up to 70%.

Switch to electric vehicles (EVs):

  • In India: Over 1.5 million EVs sold in 2023, supported by FAME II subsidies.

  • Globally: EV adoption is booming in China and the US (with tax credits under the Inflation Reduction Act).

Maintain your vehicle for fuel efficiency and fewer emissions.

Plan errands together to minimize trips and fuel use.

 Switching from a petrol two-wheeler to an electric one saves ~1.2 tonnes of CO₂/year in India.

4. Adopt a Climate-Friendly Diet

Food systems contribute ~34% of global GHG emissions.

Reduce meat and dairy: Producing 1 kg of beef emits 60+ kg CO₂, compared to just 2–3 kg for vegetables or lentils.

Go plant-based or Satvic, even partially-it can cut food-related emissions by up to 50%.

Eat local & seasonal: Millets in India, bok choy in China, legumes in the US-low footprint, farmer-friendly.

Compost food waste to reduce landfill methane.

 In India, traditional meals like sambhar-rice, idli, and khichdi are both nutritious and climate-smart.

5. Sustainable Cooking & Laundry Practices

Use pressure cookers, induction stoves, or solar cookers to save energy.

Wash clothes in cold water and dry under the sun instead of using electric dryers.

Fix leaks-a dripping tap wastes ~14 liters/day.

A 5-minute bucket bath can save 50+ liters compared to a shower.

6. Mindful Media & Digital Energy Use

Stream in SD instead of HD when possible-uses 50% less energy.

Download content instead of streaming repeatedly.

Turn off routers and devices at night.

Clean up cloud storage-delete junk emails and unneeded backups.

1 hour of HD streaming = 55g CO₂. That’s like driving 300 km over a year!

7. Consume Responsibly

 Ask: "Do I really need this?" before buying.

 Support local, sustainable, and green-certified brands.

Buy second-hand, repair items, and avoid fast fashion.

 Say no to plastic packaging-use cloth/jute bags, bottles, and containers.

 Practice circular economy habits: swap, donate, reuse.

8. Recycle, Compost, and Reduce Waste

 Segregate waste: compost organics, recycle responsibly.

 Avoid single-use plastics.

 Dispose of e-waste and batteries through proper channels to prevent toxic pollution.

9. Grow Your Own Food

Start a terrace or kitchen garden-reduces carbon footprint and cools your home.

Turn food scraps into compost and feed your plants.

10. Be a Climate Influencer in Your Circle

Talk about climate issues with friends and family-awareness is contagious.

Share tips on social media and WhatsApp groups.

Join or start environmental clubs, forums, or awareness campaigns.

Promote climate education in schools and colleges.

11. Engage with Policy and Governance

Vote for leaders and policies that support clean energy, urban greenery, and climate justice.

In India: Advocate for green building codes, urban tree cover, and EV policies.

Support local or national sustainability campaigns wherever you live.

Bonus: Offset What You Can’t Avoid

Invest in carbon offset projects-tree planting, clean cookstoves, biogas plants etc.

Sponsor solar electrification in rural India or Africa.

Choose airlines and companies that offer carbon offset options.

Every Action Counts

Solving the climate crisis isn’t just the job of policymakers or scientists-it’s a shared responsibility. Our daily energy decisions, though small on their own, add up when multiplied by millions. And that gives us enormous collective power.

So don’t wait for perfection. Start small. Act consistently. Share your journey. Inspire others.

True change begins with awareness, action, and advocacy. Start small. Act consistently. Inspire others. 

Let’s be the generation that didn’t just hope for a better future-we created it.

Location: India

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