Climate is the average weather experienced over a long period of time, which includes temperature, wind and precipitation (rainfall, hail, sleet and snow). The Earth’s climate is not fixed and in the past has changed many times in response to a variety of natural causes.

Climate change refers to an identifiable change in the climate that persists for an extended period, typically decades or longer, and is often taken to mean man-made changes that have occurred since the onset of the industrial revolution.  

The energy we use every day mostly comes from burning fossil fuels such as coal, oil and gas. This produces carbon dioxide, one of the most significant greenhouse gases that cause climate change.

During the last 40 years, the average temperature of the earth has increased significantly. We know from global temperature records that the Earth has warmed by about 0.75°C in the last century.

One of the effects of climate change is more frequent and severe extreme weather events.  Over the last 45 years there is evidence that there have been more extreme rainfall events. In 2009 UK flooding was the worst for 270 years, with areas like Cumbria witnessing widespread flooding.

Meanwhile, our summers are growing drier and hotter: Central England Temperature has risen by about a degree Celsius since the 1970s, with 2006 being the warmest on record.  We’re already seeing widespread water shortages and drought could become a major threat. 

Burning fossil fuels such as coal, oil and gas to make the energy we use is what produces carbon dioxide, one of the greenhouse gases that cause climate change. So using less energy will help fight climate change, as well as saving you money. The Climate Change Act of November 2008 commits the UK to reducing carbon dioxide emissions of by least 26% by 2020 with a long-term goal of an 80% reduction by 2050. Under the Kyoto Protocol, between 2008 and 2012 the UK must reduce its emissions of six major greenhouse gases by 12.5 per cent from 1990 levels.

Environmental Review and Improvement Grant 

Apply for a free 2 day environmental review and a grant of up to £8,000 towards new equipment that will help your business cut costs and carbon emissions.

http://www.co2sense.org.uk

Carbon Footprint - Definitions

A ‘carbon footprint’ measures the total greenhouse gas emissions caused directly and indirectly by a person, organisation, event or product.

The term “carbon footprint” refers to the amount of carbon (C02) we use individually in any one-year period. C02 is produced from many sources and is the primary gas responsible for Global warming and the resulting changes in our climate