Climate Change
Spreading the Message and Action in Dorset.

This project of the Dorset Climate Change Coalition funded by the Dorset Strategic Project aims to take awareness and action on climate change to a new level. The project has ambitious aims to work with public and community sector partners as well as the public to support and inspire more action.

Be one of 300!
Dorset Climate Change Coalition have set themselves the challenge of getting at least 300 people to measure their carbon footprint, and reduce it by at least 5% over the next 12 months.

To take part log in to the Act on CO2 calculator, measure your footprint, and take a look at the action plan. Then tell us what your footprint is and how you will reduce it. You can also enter our draw to win a Christmas Hamper of local produce.

Open the Act on CO2 calculator here

Click here to tell us your results and enter the draw.

So what is climate change?

Climate change is a change to the average global temperature. This average temperature has increased by 0.6°C since 1860 when systematic temperature records began. The rise in global temperatures is related to the rise in the concentration of carbon dioxide and other greenhouse gases in the atmosphere, which has risen significantly since the industrial revolution.

But I thought the greenhouse effect was good?

The greenhouse effect is the name given to the gases in the atmosphere that trap in some of the heat from the sun, and keep the earth warm. The earth would be 15°C colder without the greenhouse effect. Recently the concentration of greenhouse gases has increased, trapping in more of the sun’s heat and warming the planet.

So the climate is changing – does it matter?

Changes to the climate have serious impacts on the earth, and the species that live here be they plant, animal or human. Some of the likely impacts of climate change are:

 Rising sea levels

Up to 76 cm or two and a half feet is predicted by 2080 in the South West of England. In Dorset this would seriously affect many places in particular Wareham, Arne, and Mudeford. Have a look at what your home will look like if the sea level rises using this mapping tool.  

Changes to biodiversity

 The World Wildlife Fund predict that up to a quarter of all species are at risk of extinction by 2050 because of climate change. Species are affected by many factors so its hard to know exactly what will happen. In Dorset cod is being displaced by sea bass, and the song thrush and stag beetle are thought to be at risk.

Health

Rising temperatures will have effects on our health, fewer people will die in the winter because their homes are too cold, but more will die in the summer due to heat. The hot summer in 2003 which caused 2000 deaths in Britain, could be normal by 2040.

Erratic Weather

Weather is expected to become more erratic, meaning more that storms, droughts and heavy rain are more likely. Extreme sea levels are expected to occur 20 times more frequently by 2080.

Refugees

 Some people will lose their homes and livelihoods due to climate change. Some of these people will be in Dorset, but climate change is having the most severe effect on poorer communities. The Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change predict that 150 million people will be refugees due to climate change by 2050.

So how are you feeling?

Sad, depressed, guilty, hopeless..........

It is shocking that the way we humans have lived on the planet has caused these problems, but we can make a difference, it is possible for us to allow the developed world to develop responsibly, while we do everything that we can to reduce the harmful impact we are having on the earth.

Tackling climate change is urgent – we need to make a real difference in the next 5 – 10 years to keep warming to 2°C

Recent reports suggest that the UK needs to cut its carbon emissions by up to 90%, we also need to make a significant difference soon to keep warming below 2°C. Science suggests that if the temperature rises above 2°C, “feedback” effects will kick in making the planet warm even faster.

Evidence shows that this is possible, we need to start by getting everyone to save 5% each year. Many of us working together can make a difference.

But how?

“Humanity already possesses the fundamental scientific, technical, and industrial know-how to solve the carbon and climate problems...” Stephen Pacala and Robert Socolow, Science, August 13th 2004

We can build a better world

If we are going to cut our carbon significantly our world will look different, but it can be good, with fast clean efficient public transport, good quality local food, efficient heating and electricity. We just need to make it happen!

So how can we do that?

We need to work at four levels.

International

 The Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change are working on international agreements to take action on climate change. In Bali in Dec 07, 187 countries agreed to negotiate a strengthened climate deal.

National

The UK is currently committed to cutting emissions by 60% by 2050. A climate change bill is currently in parliament, and can still be strengthened. You can influence this by writing to your MP.

Local

In Dorset the Dorset Energy Group are working on developing more efficient use of energy in all sectors and facilitating the installation of renewable energy.

YOU

Half the emissions in the UK are from transport and home energy use. You can calculate your carbon footprint and reduce it. The average individual UK footprint is 4.5 tonnes of carbon dioxide. You can also influence others, your friends, your politicians, your colleagues, and you can use your buying power, by for example only buying English apples.

Will you take action on climate change?

Will you wrap your home up warm?

 Around half of your carbon footprint is down to the way you use energy in the home. Insulating your home can save over 1 tonne of carbon dioxide a year, and grants are available. To find out more contact Dorset Energy Advice Centre on 0800 975 0166 or www.deac.co.uk

Will you walk where you can?

 Why not leave the car at home at least once a week, saving an average of 0.35 tonnes of carbon dioxide? Nearly one quarter of car journeys are under two miles long.  Click here for information on transport.

Will you enjoy local seasonal food?

 Local food tastes good and has not been already travelled half way around the world! Agriculture and food account for nearly 30% of the goods transported on our roads. To find out about local food look at

www.directfromdorset.org.uk
www.famersmarket.net
www.bigbarn.co.uk

Will you make compost at home?

 Over one third of the average household bin can be composted, reducing waste to landfill, and the production of greenhouse gases. Composting provides a natural fertilizer for your garden.

http://www.recyclenow.com/home_composting/index.html

Will you garden for wildlife?

Garden with wildlife in mind and you will increase the number of natural havens making it easier for wildlife to adapt to climate change. One suburban garden was round to support more that 2,200 plant and animal species.

www.dorsetwildllife.co.uk

What to do now!

Calculate your carbon footprint, and pledge to reduce it. Please let us know what your footprint is and how you intend to reduce it, this will help us to monitor the project and support you. You will be entered into a draw to win a Christmas hamper of local produce.

To take part log in to the Act on CO2 calculator, measure your footprint, and take a look at the action plan. Then tell us what your footprint is and how you will reduce it. You can also enter our draw to win a Christmas Hamper of local produce.

Open the Act on CO2 carbon calculator here

Tell us your results here