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Home Energy Advice Climate Change Document
Climate change is a term used to describe the fluctuations of global temperatures and precipitation over a period of time. Over the centuries this has been caused by myriad factors such as volcano eruptions and variations in solar radiation. Most recently, between 1650 and 1850, the earth was said to have experienced a mini ice-age. However in the years since the industrial revolution the threat of a new sort of climate change has developed: one created by humans. Mankind’s evolutionary progress has made our domination over other species and over the planet absolute. However that dominance and our impact are now threatening the planet upon which we have thrived. According to the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change the current changes in global climate are 90-95% likely to have been in part caused by human action.
Carbon building up in the atmosphere, the ‘greenhouse effect’, keeps the planet warm and habitable. However processes in industry, aviation and car use, as well as the partial destruction of the carbon-absorbing rainforest, have increased levels of CO2 in the atmosphere, and continue to do so in a way which could irreversibly threaten our climate. The possible impact of this includes the increasing development of humanitarian crises in the equatorial region, particularly Africa, leading to a refugee crisis which could in turn impact on the populations of countries such as the United Kingdom. Potentially rising sea levels will increase the risk of flooding in Britain, and the increased heat and rainfall would also trigger a greater threat from tropical diseases.
Humans have generated the climate change threat, so humans can help to reverse and reduce its impact. On an individual level everyone can do their bit. Turning down their thermostat, walking or taking public transport instead of driving and cutting down on electricity use, are some ways in which we can save money as well as helping to prevent harmful emissions.
However whilst everyone can do their bit, this on its own will not save the planet. Political action is needed and necessary. This can be effected by ordinary people. By showing dissatisfaction about climate change the people have already helped to persuade governments that this is an important issue. However when faced with problems such as a developing China, measures need to be taken on a larger scale. Taxes on environmentally-damaging activities and businesses are ultimately necessary. Whilst some governments are only too happy to impose their will on activities which impact on personal health, the health of the planet is tackled with far less robust measures. The fact that Britain may not reach the moderate EU targets on renewable energy by 2020 is a sign that action on climate change is not being treated as enough of a priority. As well as government action the scientific community could play a crucial role in tackling this problem, for example by developing new ways of capturing carbon.
 Montgomeryshire Energy Advice Centre, 3 Park Street, Newtown SY16 1EE
Telephone 01686 625527
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