Global warming is the name given by scientists for the gradual increase in temperature of the Earth's surface that has worsened since the industrial revolution.

In recent times the effect has become more noticeable. Even though there are some people who disagree there is considerable evidence that most of this warming has been caused by human activities. That is we have altered the chemical composition of the atmosphere through a buildup of greenhouse gases – primarily carbon dioxide, methane, and nitrous oxide.     

What if we do nothing ? Rising global temperatures will cause sea level to rise and alter local climate conditions, affecting forests, crop yields, and water supplies. It may also affect human health, animals, and many types of ecosystems. Deserts may expand and some of our countryside may be permanently altered.  Climate will effect all of us and if we do nothing it will get worse making the consequences even worse for our children and our grandchildren.  In 20 or 30 years time when they ask what will you be able to say to them?  We were told about climate change and i didn't believe it so I did nothing or we were told about climate change and I did what I could to reduce my emissions.  Think of the future and of our children and grandchildren what is their future?

What can I do ? 

We all have to go work and we all like being consumers - but there are many ways you can help. Firstly, you need to recognise how you personally impact global warming. We also use energy, electricity in homes and work place, gas for heating and cooking or to produce our electricity.  Most of us drive a car, and we all like to go on holiday to somewhere hot.  All these activities add to the greenhouse gases in the atmosphere.  We need to start to reduce these gases and we can do this in various ways.

It's not all about going without.  We live in 21st century and we want to have all these things, what we need to do is think about the environment and the effect actions we do has on the environment.  Simple actions can add up and many of the actions we can all do take very little time and can save us money. 

Turning off your television and other appliances rather than leaving them on standby. Changing your light bulbs to low energy bulbs, and turning lights off when not in use.  Turning your thermostat down just 1 degree makes a difference, but you probably wouldn't notice any difference. These simple actions not only reduce the amount of energy you use but will also save you money.  There are also options to help produce your own energy using wind power and solar energy which can further reduce your energy consumption.

Do you need to use the car for every trip, can you use the bus or walk.  It is surprising how many of us will jump in the car to go down to the corner shop when it is only a 3 minute walk away.  You car is at its least efficient and pollutes more on the short journeys.  This is because the car operates at its best when the engine is up to its standard temperature, which can take 5 or 6 miles.  Talking about cars many people moan about about gas guzzling cars and 4x4's saying they shouldn't be on the road and that they are wrong for urban streets.  Lets be realistic many people need a larger vehicle either for work or they have a large family and need the seven seats.  What we can all do is make sure we don't take unnecessary trips, drive efficiently and economically and try to use diesel, LPG or bio fuels if we can.  Many people can reduce the amount they use the car and again this could save you thousands each year.

Also in the news a lot recently has been the effect that air travel is having on climate change.  These days many people have 2 or 3 holidays and fly regularly.  Only 10 or 15 years ago it was usually only business people who flew regularly.  We need to look at these flights and decide if the flight is required or can we achieve the same result in another way.  Many business trips could be saved if business used modern technology such as video conferencing.  Do we need to fly to the other end of the country or could we take the train.  We need to look at how we travel, why we travel and is the trip required.  People aren't going to cancel their fortnight in Spain or Greece and why should they.  They have worked hard all year and deserve that holiday, we also have a lot of jobs that rely on tourism and air travel.  Just think is this overnight trip to South of France really needed.  Cant i take the Eurostar to Paris instead.

So What else can you do?

After looking at how you can change what else could you do?  Theres been a lot of talk about carbon offsetting and how this can help reduce the carbon emissions you produce.  This is a hotly debated subject as on its own it is not the answer.  You need to reduce as much as possible your own emissions first.  Only then should you look at carbon offsetting.  When you do make sure that you use a non profit organisation, try to look at all the different options.  Some just buy carbon credits from other organisations, others invest in schemes in the UK and third world countries.  These can include tree planting, solar panels in Africa and Asia, supplying energy bulbs to third world countries. 

So just think about what you are doing and what you can do to help reduce emissions. We have added a section to our weblinks section of the website with links to other websites dedicated to climate change, carbon offsetting and energy efficiency.  If you know of a good site please add it to the weblinks section.