The Minister for (or against) Climate Change can relax. New Zealand’s paltry 0.17% of global carbon emissions is so small we no longer need to bother about any reductions and can toss the Zero Carbon Act in the bin.
In a timely reminder, before you indulge in the excesses of the Christmas Season, a study has identified the real culprits who, collectively, are responsible for TEN TIMES as much carbon emissions as the whole of New Zealand.
People with obesity have greater carbon dioxide production from oxidative metabolism than individuals with normal weight. Also, maintenance of greater body weights requires more food and drinks to be produced and transported to the consumers. Similarly, transportation of heavier people is associated with increased consumption of fossil fuels. This results in additional carbon dioxide emissions related to food production and transportation processes. Globally, obesity was estimated to contribute to an extra 700 megatons of carbon dioxide emissions per year or about 1.6 percent of all man-made emissions.
Eurakalert
Obviously, the counter-argument could be mounted, that physical exercise also leads to higher carbon emissions as physical exertion increases the metabolic rate – more huffing and puffing of evil CO2. So perhaps it is the fit and healthy ones who are to blame?