Climate change is undoubtedly a pressing threat to the environment, but it’s far from the only one. In fact, there are a total of nine potential doomsday scenarios for humanity, and we are already facing five of them. With each boundary we cross, we endanger the planet’s ability to self-regulate.
While the concept of planetary boundaries is a useful tool for scientists, it may be overwhelming for the average person. Trying to wrap your head around one existential crisis is challenging enough, let alone navigating six others that range from biodiversity loss to microplastics. It may seem like giving up is the only option.
However, tech entrepreneur Christophe Girardier is determined to change that mindset. In an interview with TechCrunch, he shares his hope that his startup, Glimpact, and its new app, MyGlimpact, will help people not only understand the extent of their environmental impact but also relieve them of any guilt they may feel about it.
The idea was to “give citizens a vision of the reality of the state of the environmental crisis, which is not only climate change, but which is systemic,” Girardier said. “The real cause of the environmental crisis is partially citizens, but not entirely. The first responsibility falls on the state, the political decision makers and the companies.”
The MyGlimpact app is free to use and does not require an account. It prompts users with lifestyle questions such as how they commute, what they eat, how they heat and cool their home, and how much clothing they typically purchase in a year. There are two options for answering these questions: a shorter version that allows the app to make assumptions for certain details, or a more detailed version for those who prefer to provide more accurate information.
Once the data is entered, the app uses cloud-based software to assess a person’s impact in 16 different categories. This is the same process used by major corporations to complete environmental reports for governments and regulators. However, the app simplifies the results for the average user, informing them of how many Earth-equivalents are required to support their lifestyle. TechCrunch had access to the app before its launch on Thursday.
According to the app, if everyone lived like me, we would need the resources of 2.93 Earths to sustain our lifestyles. However, this number may be slightly lower as the app did not inquire about the proportion of renewable energy in my household (we subscribe to a community solar plan). MyGlimpact offers tips on where individuals can make changes to reduce their environmental footprint, and also suggests ways to advocate for change from politicians and companies.
Personally, the app highlighted the fact that even with my efforts to live as environmentally-friendly as possible, my lifestyle still has a significant impact on the planet. My family drives electric vehicles, has a minimal commute, eats meat sparingly, and lives in a well-insulated home with high-efficiency heating and cooling systems. And yet, my footprint still requires almost three Earths.
While the idea of a carbon footprint is familiar, MyGlimpact introduces the concept of an environmental footprint, considering all aspects of a person’s lifestyle. It’s a powerful tool for understanding one’s place in the world and taking responsibility for their impact. Although the app could use some improvements in guiding users towards making changes and advocating for bigger changes, it’s still a valuable resource for anyone looking to gain a better understanding of their environmental impact.
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