What 

WHAT THE SCIENCE SAYS: Big improvements to global infrastructure and economic & financial systems are needed: this is the job of governments and big business.

The research behind Take the Jump outlines crucial changes needed to ensure that we can achieve zero carbon, replace fossil fuels with renewable energy, improve energy efficiency of buildings and industry, invest in green technology, shift heating and transport to electricity and decarbonise our supply chains. 

Other crucial work shows that moving towards an alternative economic system will create a more distributive and regenerative economy, resulting in an ecologically safe and socially just society.

WHILE TAKING THE JUMP: Make at least one life shift to Change the system 

While Taking the Jump, we’re making at least one change in our own lives to help transform the system. There are many ways that this can be done. Some of these options may not be possible for you, so it’s about embracing what is within your capability. Some ideas include: 

• Changing to a green energy supplier 

• Changing your pension to a green investor

• Using ethical and green banks 

• Using your energy at home efficiently, or install energy efficiency measures (this can be expensive so not everyone is able to do so easily).

• If you feel comfortable and able to, you could consider pushing for change through activism or peaceful protest. For example, write to your political representative with the change you want to see.

This shift is different to the others because the research doesn’t imply that individuals are responsible for changing global systems. However, we know that personal shifts to our own lives can collectively have a massive impact. These shifts don’t require us all to become public activists, as that’s not for everyone. But the shifts can also be powerful alongside your activism.

Why

The science is clear: to prevent climate breakdown all action is needed from all actors. Immediately. 

Large scale changes in our economies and societies are needed urgently. Business, governments and individuals cannot solve climate change in isolation. We must work together. Each actor must make the necessary changes. It’s important to build a narrative which is not solely dependent on individual action, but as a wider collective society. 

Currently, governments and businesses are responsible for the majority of the carbon savings needed, but they are not keeping to their side of the deal. Unless the system changes are well underway within the decade, we will be in extreme danger. The majority of these emissions are beyond our direct control. We shouldn’t need to make the choice between green energy or fossil fuels: it should all be green to begin with. But the current reality is they are not - so we need to make good choices.

How

Choosing the changes you make will heavily depend on your own personal situation. For example, if you do not own your own home you cannot make improvements on energy efficiency, or you may not have a pension scheme. It is about assessing what you do have control over and choosing a shift that works with this. 

Here are some ideas:

• Research into green energy providers and make the transition for your household energy. 

• Find out who your pension is with and where they invest your money. Often, this can be done online or with a simple phone call. You will be able to specify where your money gets invested.

• Find banking services which only invest money into green and socially positive schemes.

• Reduce your household emissions. Replace your fossil fuel heating system or upgrade your home with extra insulation (this can help save on energy bills too). Check if your government provides financial schemes and incentives to help pay.

By making these changes, you will not only be reducing the emissions produced but helping to influence the wider system.