It’s safe to say that most people have heard about global warming. Especially as it becomes increasingly obvious that the one planet we have is likely unable to sustain humanity’s current lifestyle.

Global warming is exactly what it sounds like: the planet is getting warmer. The leading cause is greenhouse gas emissions, such as carbon dioxide and methane. These gasses congregate in the atmosphere and absorb sunlight and solar radiation, trapping them inside the ozone layer and thus warming the entire planet.

I’d argue that most people try and do their part when it comes to the environment, like recycling plastic items.

With the world currently producing over 4 million tons of plastic, recycling is a key element to helping the environment in that regard. But when it comes to greenhouse gas emissions, do individual actions alone make a difference?

You could drive your car less. Use less heating and AC. Maybe turn off your fridge for a couple of days (because that is a totally realistic ask).

All while 100 companies continue to pump out 71 percent of the world’s greenhouse gas emissions. 

According to a Carbon Tracker study, the approaching decade would steer away from the use of traditional fossil fuels like oil and gas, which are large contributors of greenhouse gasses, in favor of greener energy sources. Based on the potential new demands, making big changes is a smart move for big oil and gas companies like ExxonMobil and Shell.

But these companies are too slow to change, favoring a quick cash grab over investing in greener practices. 

When ExxonMobil emitted 110 million tons of carbon dioxide in 2022, what is one person choosing public transportation over driving a car going to do? Especially when the average emission per person per year in the United States is just 16 tons. 

Cars are major contributors to greenhouse gas emissions, which makes it environmentally beneficial to opt for public transport. But why should we have to hassle over making environmentally conscious decisions if companies emit a buttload more than we save?

At the same time, billionaires each emit about three million tons of greenhouse gasses a year.

While many billionaires have out-of-sight emissions through their investments, celebrities tend to have very obvious displays of emissions, through numerous, and often frivolous, trips on private jets, such as Taylor Swift.

When it comes to celebrities, it’s hard to tell them what to and not to do. I mean John Cena was practically naked at the Oscars and no one said a word. If the man wants to take a private jet, he’s just gonna do it. 

Of course, we should continue to do the smaller things like recycling, composting and using a reusable water bottle. They make a difference. But when it comes to global warming specifically, that responsibility cannot solely rely on the average person. Everyone has to do their part, and billionaires, celebrities and companies just need to do it better.