We recognise that:
- Climate change is happening now
- Climate change will have far reaching effects on our economy, society and environment
- We have a part to play in reducing the overall impact of our operations on the environment
Over 40% of the UK’s carbon dioxide emissions, the main greenhouse gas which causes climate change actually come from the energy we use everyday – at home and when we travel.
Little things like leaving the lights on unnecessarily or overfilling the kettle all waste energy and impact on our environment through carbon dioxide emissions that could be avoided. This section looks at the impact we are having on climate change and what’s being done to help fight it.
There is still time to reduce our impact on climate change but we must act now. If we don't, we will see more unpredictable and severe weather events than we are already, increased risk of drought, an increase in localised flooding events, crop failure,
The 1990s was the warmest decade in central England since records began in the 1660s. Summer heatwaves are now happening more frequently and in winter there are fewer frosts.
Globally, over the past century, the average temperature of the atmosphere near the earth’s surface has risen by 0.74 degrees Celsius. Eleven of the 12 hottest years on record occurred between 1995 and 2006.
The scientific consensus is that global temperatures could rise between 1.1 and 6.4 degrees above 1980-1999 levels by the end of the 21st century. The exact amount depends on the levels of future greenhouse gas emissions.
Since rain records began in 1766, the amount of winter rainfall in England and Wales has risen. Over the last 45 years it has also become heavier; in 2000, UK flooding was the worst for 270 years in some areas. Flood damage now costs Britain about £1 billion a year.
Globally, climate change means that extreme weather events – like floods, droughts and tropical storms – will become more frequent and dangerous.
There are already changes to the way plants and animals live in this country. The period between spring and autumn when plants grow is now a month longer in central England than it was in 1900.
Further changes in rainfall and temperature will affect many animal and plant species around the world. Some species might be unable to adapt quickly enough and habitats might not be available for them to move into. If global temperatures rise by two degrees Celsius, 30 per cent of all land-living species will be threatened by an increased risk of extinction.
As temperatures increase and rainfall patterns change, crop yields are expected to drop significantly in Africa, the Middle East and India.
Water availability for irrigation and drinking will be less predictable because rain will be more variable. It is also possible that salt from rising sea levels may contaminate underground fresh water supplies in coastal areas. Droughts are likely to be more frequent. Up to three billion people could suffer increased water shortages by 2080.
With rising temperatures, diseases like malaria, West Nile disease, dengue fever and river blindness will shift to different areas. It is predicted that 290 million additional people could be exposed to malaria by the 2080s.
There are challenges ahead, but progress is being made. Actions by individuals have already helped the UK meet its targets for cutting our emissions. You can help influence future effects of climate change, often with quick and easy actions.