International Reducing CO2 Emissions Day is a holiday observed annually on the 28th of January. As the name of this holiday suggests, it is a day for everyone to try to reduce their carbon footprint.

The goal of this holiday is to show people that it is easier than they think to reduce the amount of CO2 they release into the atmosphere every year, and if they can do it on this one day, then they can likely do it every day. In other words, this holiday serves as a starting point for those who want to be more environmentally friendly.

The History of International Reducing CO2 Emissions Day

Scientists have known about the effects of CO2 on the atmosphere for over 100 years. Early scientists such as Svante Arrhenius understood that adding more CO2 to the atmosphere would eventually lead to the greenhouse effect and alter the planet’s temperature. However, real action on climate change was not taken until the 1990s.

In 1997, the Kyoto Protocol was signed. This was considered a good first step, even though it did not go nearly far enough to curb climate change. In 2015, the Paris Agreement was adopted, legally binding 196 countries to a global commitment to limit global warming and combat climate change. The goal of this agreement was to achieve a CO2-neutral planet by 2050. Unfortunately, we are not currently close to achieving that goal.

This holiday was created after the Paris Agreement to encourage everyone to reduce their carbon footprint. Although large companies and governments are the main drivers of climate change, individuals can make a difference by making simple changes to their lifestyles. This can be done by upgrading to a more modern and economical heating system, using low-energy lighting, reducing the amount of trash produced, and recycling when possible.

Observing International Reducing CO2 Emissions Day

Everyone is encouraged to reduce their carbon footprint and help the planet achieve carbon neutrality by 2050. In the previous section, we listed some tips for doing just that, but we will add a few more in this section.

People can reduce their carbon footprint by using energy-efficient appliances, insulating their homes, reducing the amount of meat they consume, and switching to electric vehicles. On this holiday, we also encourage people to spread the word about this holiday far and wide. That can easily be done by using the hashtag #InternationalReducingCO2EmissionsDay on social media.