Apparently the custom has an old history with the ancient Babylonians repaying debts and medieval knights renewing their chivalry vows. It is estimated that about 40% of people make resolutions, or based on my experience, individuals make them every few years. A research project by Richard Wiseman of the University of Bristol showed that 88% of people fail to live up to their promises despite the fact that 52% were confident of success before they started.
What I found particularly interesting in this survey were the two factors that increased the chance of success. You are more likely to stick to your resolution if you make specific and short term goals rather than vague ambitions. It is better to say that you will lose one pound a week rather just the platitude of "lose weight". The second success factor is when a resolution is made public and shared with friends and family.
I think these two factors also apply to our efforts in tackling climate change. It is great to have a lofty ambition to reduce carbon emissions by 42% by 2020 as Scotland has but it is difficult for any of us to fully grasp what that actually means. What will drive change is much shorter term, measurable goals; things like I will focus on my driving style so that I can improve my miles per gallon by 20%. (By the way I know that can be done because I did it a few years ago, losing weight is another matter!). However, what the Scottish Climate Change act gives us is a very clear public commitment and the 2020 group is all about the help of family and friends. Let's hope that we keep our 2014 climate change resolutions.
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