‘Global warming’ and ‘climate change’ are phrases we hear a lot these days.
Whilst some people would rather bury their heads in the sand, pretend it is not happening and carry on as normal hoping it will go away others want to do something about it, either by protesting, writing articles or talking to people – they are taking positive action in the hope of changing the future predicted by scientists.
These scientists must feel extremely frustrated at the lack of urgency and how long it is taking for some people to take notice.
In 1856, American scientist Eunice Foot produced a paper underlining the cause of today’s climate change after noticing increasing levels of carbon dioxide (CO2) in the atmosphere during and following the Industrial Revolution.
She had observed the way CO2 could absorb heat and retain it. We know CO₂ is formed when fossil fuels are burnt and yet permissions for the expansion of oil and gas fields in the North Sea, are still being handed out by our government, along with the expansion of certain coal fields – despite promises at Cop26 to reduce carbon emissions.
Carbon Dioxide, methane, nitrous oxide and other gasses create a greenhouse effect in our atmosphere trapping warm air rather than letting it escape into space.
We are seeing more extreme temperatures especially near the Equator.
In a recent newspaper article climate scientists suggested an increase in temperature of 2.5 degrees was likely within five years, as opposed to the COP global target of no more than 1.5 by 2100.
How can we make a difference?
We need to buy green energy as opposed to fossil fuel-produced so check which energy supplier you are with.
Ask if your car journeys are really necessary and whether you could walk or cycle instead.
Could you car share journeys with others or use public transport – whilst this might not be possible for a variety of reasons maybe go shopping once a fortnight rather than every two days.
Batch-cook food and freeze surplus for meals during the next few weeks.
Turn the central heating thermostat down by one or two degrees and put a jumper on (people with lung conditions and those not very mobile may need to ignore this).
Can you turn some of your garden over to a vegetable patch or see if the council has allotments available so you can grow some of your own food?
Reduce meat consumption.
Each of us should ‘think outside the box’ to reduce our impact.
Bromsgrove Climate Action would love to hear your ideas. Contact us via the ‘Bromsgrove Climate Action’ Facebook page.
