Climate Change

What are you doing? ....

Climate Change has become a big issue over recent years and lots of cities and towns are trying to do their bit to cut their CO2 emissions. Here in Bournemouth we are no exception, there are lots of schemes we have put into action that promote greener living.

A few of them include:

• Electric bikes for Seafront staff to travel along the promenade.
• Solar powered recycling bins
• Green waste scheme 

Causes of Climate Change

 

Climate change is caused by gases released into the atmosphere when we:

• Use energy- to heat and light our homes and workplaces and operate electrical equipment
• Travel- in motor vehicles and aircraft
• Dispose of waste- which decomposes in landfill sites
• Manufacture- using certain industrial processes and chemicals

 

These gases surround our planet, letting the sun’s rays through but acting to hold in the heat given off by the Earth, causing the temperature to rise. The major result of this is the melting of the ice caps and rise in sea level, causing floods in many areas. More complex effects involve the circulation of warm air and water currents around the planet, which could cause more freak weather events and even a new ice age for Europe.

 

To avoid potentially devastating consequences for the planet’s environment, wildlife and people due to climate change we must change how we do things now!

 

What can you do?

 

Changes you can make at home:

 

• Remember to turn lights off
• Switch TVs and computers off when not in use
• Close your curtains at night to stop heat escaping
• Fill the kettle with just enough water for your needs
• Walk or cycle short journeys instead of using a car

 

There are many other ways we can encourage our parents or guardians to help tackle climate change. More information can be found at:

 

www.foe.co.uk

www.oursouthwest.com

 

 

Facts

 

If everyone in the UK turned appliances off and avoided using standby, we would save enough energy to power 2.7 million homes a year!!