climate

'It's the little things that count'

The Earth's climate has always been changing, and in the past it has altered as a result of natural causes.
Nowadays, however, the term 'climate change', is used to talk about changes in our climate which have happened since the early part of the 1900s.
The changes we've seen over recent years, and those which are predicted in the future, are thought to be mainly because of human behaviour rather than due to natural changes in the atmosphere.

So what can we do about it?

All of us can do something right away. And if we all do, our small everyday actions will add up to make a big difference.

1. Save energy and money at home.
   • did you know that the average house has a dozen appliances on standby at any one time? Hunt them down, turn them off.
   • turn down your thermostat 1°C;
   • use low-energy light bulbs;
   • don't leave televisions, DVD players, stereos and computers on standby - turn them off;
   • turn off lights and computer screens you don't need;
   • use the washing machine or dish washer only when you have a full load;
   • use the washing line not the drier.
2. Insulate your home:
   • fit 30cm of loft insulation;
   • fit double glazing;
   • ask your energy supplier for a subsidised cavity wall insulation rate.
3. Buy energy efficient appliances:
   • look out for A** rating.
4. Re-use, reduce & repair, recycle:
   • share, pass-on and buy second-hand;
   • don't buy over-packaged goods;
   • buy local produce to save food miles;
   • start a compost heap.
5. Work out your carbon footprint at http://actonco2.direct.gov.uk/
6. Switch to renewable energy, by visiting www.energylinx.co.uk
7. Travel wise:
   • try walking or cycling for short journeys, use buses and trains for longer journeys;
   • car share with work colleagues or friends for longer journeys;
   • if you have to buy a car, buy a fuel-efficient, environmentally friendly one, by visiting http://www.dft.gov.uk/ActOnCO2/
8. Fly less:
   • take holidays in the UK, or get there by other forms of transport such as train, bus or boat.
9. Spread the word:
   • talk to your friends;
   • colleagues
   • tell us what you would like to happen in Hull by emailing climate.change@hullcc.gov.uk
10. Support the campaign:
    • Join Earth Hour on the 29th March 2008 at 8pm by turning off the lights for one hour to deliver a powerful message about the need for action on global warming, see www.panda.org for more information.
    • Make a commitment to change through the I Count campaign, on www.icount.org.uk

Got a question about climate change? Email climate.change@hullcc.gov.uk or visit our web site at www.hullcc.gov.uk and click on Environment.