Climate change

About climate change

Until a few years ago it was possible to doubt the existence of climate change caused principally by the greenhouse effect. That is no longer so. Although greenhouse-effect induced - climate-change is one of the most complex and far-reaching issues any of us have ever had to deal with, the evidence for it is clear, based on exhaustive analysis of weather patterns and accumulated weather records for the whole planet. They show conclusively an unprecedented increase in the average surface temperature of the planet since the start of the industrial revolution approximately 200 years ago, the main cause being the accumulation of carbon dioxide and other greenhouse gases in the atmosphere as a consequence of our burning vast quantities of coal and oil.

What this means

More rain overall but with some places experiencing drought.
Stronger winds, more hurricanes and storms of all kinds.
Higher sea levels.
More extensive, frequent and rapid coastaland inland flooding.
Crop failures, food shortages and economic dislocation.
Increasing population movements insearch of food and shelter.
Spread of tropical diseases and insect pests.
The extinction of large numbers of animal and plant species.

The bad news

If anyone is looking forward to saying "good bye to cold winters" the bad news is that we cannot even confidently predict that. In fact there is evidence that places like the British Isles and Norway may be in for more severe winters. Besides global warming we also face threats from atmospheric pollutants and from pollution of the stratosphere which has caused holes in the ozone layer which protects us from intense ultra violet radiation. That puts us at increasing risk of skin cancer.

Tackling the problems

Although these problems are complex and worldwide in scale the ways we can tackle them are now well understood. What is needed is the will to do it. That is where we all can play our part; whether by "doing our bit" by economising on heating costs, recycling household waste or by making sure that we expect action of our political representatives and the companies we buy goods and services from.

We do not have to wear "hair shirts" in order to tackle climate change. Many of the things we need to do will also provide job opportunities and improved living conditions, particularly for the less well off and the vulnerable.

Bury Council will continue to play a full part in leading and making the changes which are necessary to tackle climate change. However all the emissions of green house gases from the Council's own operations amount to only 2.6% of the estimated total for the Borough.

How you can calculate your carbon footprint

Each and every one of us has a carbon footprint. This is our own personal measure of how much carbon dioxide we create and how much we contribute to climate change.

Go to the DirectGov web site to find out how you can calculate your carbon footprint.