Climate change or global warming is caused by increased levels of carbon dioxide (CO2) and other polluting gases in our atmosphere. The gases trap heat by forming a blanket around the Earth - like the glass of a greenhouse. Once released the greenhouse gases stay in the atmosphere for many years. As they build up, the planet's temperature rises. Heat from the sun (a) traps the gases in our atmosphere (b). Taken from the Friends of the Earth web site.

It’s official, the earth is warming up, climate change and global warming is happening. At last the politicians and business community are agreeing with the scientists and climate experts that we are witnesses manmade climate change. Emissions of CO2 and other greenhouse gases have increased at such a rate they are higher now than they have ever been recorded before and we are talking, since prehistoric times! We are all responsible; we use CO2 emitting fossil fuel energy in our cars and to heat and light our homes, the food waste we send to landfill rots and emits methane (powerful green house gas) modern farming practices and increased air travel and global transportation of goods and services, they all emit green house gases and all are contributing to climate change. No one can say with authority exactly what this means but the majority of experts predict: rising sea levels, water shortages, extreme weather conditions (storms, hurricanes, droughts and floods) and the loss of wildlife and fauna. As gloomy as this sounds it is not too late to take action, we all have our roles to play and many believe that the benefits we will gain from becoming a low carbon emitting society will be many. Every section of the REGG web site comes back to the central theme of climate change: recycling, energy, water, transport, nature, health and eco-homes.  By following the suggestions made for individuals, resident led groups and social landlords we will all be doing our bit to combat global warming and protect the environment for future generations.

Did you know???

• In just 200 years, the amount of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere – the major gas that causes climate change – has increased by 30%. Concentrations of greenhouse gases are now higher than at any point in the past 800,000 years.

• The autumn and winter floods in 2000 in the UK were the worst for 270 years in some areas. Flooding on farmland cost the farming industry nearly £500 million.

• The ten warmest years on record have all been since 1990.

• Six of the ten warmest years on record in the UK were between 1995 and 2004. In Europe, the August 2003 heat wave was probably the hottest for at least 500 years.

• During August 2003, the hottest temperature ever recorded in the UK was taken in Brogdale in Kent. It was 38.5°C.

• Between 4th and 13th August 2003, over 2,000 people in the UK died as a result of the heat.

Follow the link to read some case studies

Follow the link for some fun and games links for children

Follow the link for some extra useful links

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This page was last updated on 13 June 2008