What is Climate Change?

Changes in climate are natural and have been happening since the planet was formed around 4.6 billion years ago. Natural changes take place over millions of years, allowing adaptation.

The earth's temperature is heating up too fast due to the amount of Carbon Dioxide that is released in to the atmosphere.

The Green House Gas affects our temperature too. This is a natural process and without it the Earth would be a chilly -18 centigrade instead of the pleasant +15 centigrade it is today.

The gasses that cause the Greenhouse Gas effect are Carbon Dioxide, Methane and Nitrous Oxide. These gasses form a warm blanket around the Earth and help to prevent any heat from escaping. These gasses have remained at a constant level in our atmosphere for thousands of years.

BUT the rate at which man-made greenhouse gasses are being produced is increasing dramatically.

As we use more and more energy and burn more and more fossil fuels we contribute to the Green house gasses already in our atmosphere. That means that the Blanket of gasses around the Earth is getting thicker and thicker leading to global warming and climate change.

The following Websites have a wealth of information about Climate Change, its effects on the planet and energy efficiency.

Direct Gov

The Government provides help and support on Climate Change on their Website Act on CO2

The Energy Saving Trust

The Energy Saving Trust is a non profit making organisation that provides advice on climate change and energy efficiency advice.

UKCIP

The UK Climate Impacts Programme (UKCIP) helps firms assess how they may be affected by climate impacts and how to adapt to those risks and opportunities.

Met Office

There has been an unprecedented level of debate over climate change over the past few weeks - both in the public and political sphere. The Met Office has information to guide you through the latest developments in the climate change debate.