Climate Change?

What is Climate Change?

Climate change is the term used to describe change to our climate and weather that have been caused by the way we live.

When we burn fossil fuels such as coal, oil, and gas to produce energy such as electricity or driving cars carbon dioxide is produced. This carbon dioxide remains in the atmosphere trapping heat, this is called the greenhouse effect. As more carbon dioxide and other ‘greenhouse gases’ (such as methane) are produced and released in the atmosphere, more heat is trapped causing the temperature to rise.

Effects

More extreme weather

This rise in temperature makes extreme weather more likely such as the floods in Uckfield in 2000 and the drought in summer 2006.

Warmer Climate

As the climate gets warmer there are likely to be effects on water supply, agriculture, wildlife and plants, as well as our health.

Sea level rising

There are other effects from climate change that are predicted. If temperatures continue to rise (which is likely as carbon dioxide remains in the atmosphere for a long time after it is released, and as carbon dioxide levels are still rising) the water in the sea will expand as it gets warmer causing sea level rises. There is also a long term risk of ice sheets in Greenland and Antarctica melting. For Wealden this means a higher risk of flooding.

Why does this matter to businesses?

These environmental impacts will have real costs to businesses. More extreme weather such as high winds and flooding will cost businesses in terms of high insurance costs and lost trading if they are damaged by these weather events.

As the UK looks to reduce carbon dioxide emission to 60% by 2050 it is important for businesses to consider now how they can reduce their reliance on carbon based fuels such as petrol and diesel, gas, and electricity from oil and coal based power stations.

These changes also provide new opportunities for businesses. The move to a low carbon economy offers opportunity for new high technology solutions such as the development of renewable energy and fuel cells. Companies can also benefit from becoming ‘green’ and gaining a unique selling point and improved corporate social responsibility.

For more information about what your business can do to tackle climate change and what Wealden is doing please return to our Greener Business pages.