Climate change and CO2
Climate change affects all of us - we can all rise to the challenge of being part of the solution.
What is climate change?
Climate refers to temperature, wind and rainfall patterns experienced over a long period. Changes in the earth's climate are a natural phenomenon which happens gradually over a very, very long period of time allowing adaption of both plants and animals. The changes we are experiencing in our climate currently are happening at a much faster rate. In fact, global temperatures have risen by 0.74°C over the last century alone. Recent reports by the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) leave little doubt that human activity has been a major driver of this rise. The main cause is the rise in the accumulation of greenhouse gases such as carbon dioxide (CO2), methane and nitrous oxide. CO2 is emitted through the burning of fossil fuels.
Over 40% of the UK's CO2 emissions come from our homes and when we travel, on average each household creates 6 tonnes of CO2 a year.
What are the effects of climate change?
For the UK the effects may include:
• A milder climate - August 2003 experienced the highest temperature in the UK ever recorded
• Changing rainfall patterns with increased risk of droughts, flash flooding and severe storms
• Damage to crops and risk of forest fires
• Rising sea levels - major risk to properties in some coastal and low lying areas
• Displaced wildlife and altered natural landscapes
The consequences could be social, environmental and economic. Energy Action Devon is working to reduce the impact of climate change by reducing our use of fossil fuels through promoting energy efficiency.
For more information on the causes and effects of climate change:
• Energy Saving Trust
• Department of Energy and Climate Change
• Act on CO2