Climate change is a global issue that will impact every
aspect of the UK's economy, society and environment, threatening
our wellbeing and that of our children.
Rising global temperatures will bring changes in weather
patterns, rising sea levels and increased intensity and frequency
of extreme weather events.
It will impact upon our society and environment, with implications
for our health, food security, water, resources, and social and
economic development.
However, responding to climate change will also provide
opportunities for us all, improving efficiency can lead to
financial savings and the protection of the environment for future
generations.
There is a natural variability in Earth’s climate, but the current
climate change is very unusual as it is not exclusively part of a
natural cycle. There is an underlying warming trend, and the
United
Nations IPCC has concluded that it is ‘very likely’ (more than
90%) to be caused by human activities.
In order to limit the changes in climate, we are advised that we
need to make efforts to minimise
greenhouse
gas emissions, this is climate change mitigation.
Climate
change adaptation relates to our plans to adapt to the changes
brought about by a changing climate.
The
Climate
Change Act 2008 commits the UK to reducing its CO2 emissions by
34% by 2020 and 80% by 2050 and sets out UK carbon budget. The
UK Low Carbon Transition Plan (pdf, Aug 10,
5MB) sets out the detail for how the government plans to meet
these targets.
For more information contact our
sustainability
coordinator.
