The giant oil and gas companies are doing everything in their power to maintain our dependence on expensive fossil fuels. However, it’s time we explored ways to free ourselves from the grip of these conglomerates. While ordinary citizens struggle to pay their bills, the energy companies continue to cream in profits. Recently, electricity and gas supplier British Gas announced a 10-fold increase in annual profits to £750m. This came in the same year when a firm acting on its behalf was found to be breaking into vulnerable people’s homes to fit prepayment meters. Meanwhile, the world’s top five oil companies have generated profits of over a quarter of a trillion dollars since the invasion of Ukraine.
But the question remains: how do we free ourselves from the grip of these firms that are trying to keep us hooked on their products? The answer lies in little steps that can add up to make significant changes.
One of the best things we can do is vote for a party that prioritizes the green transition. Parties championing green policies are no longer just the preserve of ‘hippies’. The green industrial revolution is now in full swing, and China is forging ahead. Low-carbon technologies were the primary driver of its economy in 2023. Therefore, western politicians who don’t seize the opportunities in clean-tech risk being left behind while locking their citizens into higher bills. Besides, it’s worth examining parties that recognize the primary culprits of global emissions. By taking such action, we can pave the way for targeted climate solutions like those being pioneered in Paris.
One way to free ourselves from fossil fuel firms is to switch to a green bank. Traditional banks often finance fossil fuel projects. But some firms like Triodos and the Ecology Building Society are helping put the banking sector on a more sustainable footing. Instead of funding oil and gas projects, they bankroll innovative green initiatives that can help the environment.
We can also switch to ethical insurance firms that do not invest in the fossil fuel sector. Insurers fund some of the most significant investments after pension funds. Therefore, choosing an ethical insurance company can help starve fossil fuel firms of cash.
Finally, we can try to minimize our use of single-use plastics. As electricity grids become carbon-neutral, we have to stop using fossil-fuel-powered machinery. By embracing active travel, like cycling or walking, we can reduce our carbon footprints and support green policies. Besides, opting for an electric car instead of a gas guzzler can help free ourselves from the grip of these conglomerates
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