Climate Change
The climate is changing, between 1906 and 2005 global temperatures have increased by 0.74°C (figures from UKCIP- will open new browser), this has lead to warmer average temperatures and increased variability in weather patterns, also extreme weather events will become more common. If we continue pumping CO2 into the atmosphere, predictions show we could increase global temperatures by 2 to 3°C by the end of the century, causing wide spread variations in weather patterns and the melting of large ice sheets. A certain amount of climate change is now inevitable but we are able to reduce our effects by reducing the amount of fossil fuels we use, changing the way we generate energy and developing new technologies to prevent CO2 from being realeased into the atmosphere.
North East Lincolnshire Council has recently signed up to the Nottingham Declaration on Climate Change; this means that we are now committed to the delivery (at a local level) of the UK Climate change programme, and reducing our carbon dioxide emissions by 2010. We will make these targets by the implementation of the Local Authorities Carbon Management Program with the support of the Carbon Trust, the primary aim of which is to reduce the emissions from buildings, vehicle fleets and landfill sites.
Reducing the effects of climate change is not only the responsibility of governments and businesses, but to individual people in their daily lives. Individuals can reduce the energy they use by installing energy efficient light bulbs, and washing at 30°C. You can also use public transport, walk or cycle, car share or use green fuels to reduce your emissions. By shopping locally your food will travel less therefore reducing the carbon foot print of your food. For further information on what you can do, go to Top Tips (will open new browser), every action counts (will open new browser) and the energy saving trust (will open new browser).