climate change booklet
DESCRIPTION
Advice about how to help tackle climate change and reduce CO2 emissions from everyday activities.TRANSCRIPT
Climate change: Your guidei to inspiring actioni
Photo: Flooding in Boscastle, Cornwall, 2004
An indication of the type
of event that scientists
say will become more
frequent in the future.
Climate change is one of the
most urgent issues of our time.
It is the greatest environmental
challenge we face today as
a global community.
01
Given the enormity of the problem of climate change and its consequences – heatwaves, fl ooding, more frequent storms – people may fi nd it hard to believe that they can do anything to help. But the fact is, man-made greenhouse gases contribute signifi cantly to climate change, and action from individuals, government and businesses is vital if we are to put the brakes on it. If we all make some simple changes, our collective effort will help make a difference.
This booklet is intended to help raise awareness of climate change and encourage and inspire local action. It is also designed to act as a communications tool, showing you how to spread the message and generate discussion on what to do. You can use this booklet in conjunction with the accompanying website, www.climatechallenge.gov.uk, which contains further information, ideas and resources.
The weight of evidence for climate change, and the i
link withigreenhouse gas emissions, most notably i
carbon dioxide,iis in my view now unarguable. This is i
a globaliproblem requiring a global solution, but we i
can all help to makeia difference. If we reduce the amount i
of energy we use andimake our energy consumption i
more effi cient, we will reduceithe impact that we, i
as individuals, have on the environment. i
Sir David King, UK Government’s Chief Scientifi c Adviser
Contents
02–03 What is climate change?
04–05 On the ground
06–07 Getting the point across
08–09 Your carbon footprint
10–11 Calculating your carbon footprint
12–13 Figuring out climate change
14–15 Communicating climate change
16–17 Do you know who you’re talking to?
18–19 Other climate change resources
20–21 Next steps
Our planet is surrounded by a blanket of gases. This blanket keeps the surface of the Earth warm and enables it to sustain life. This process is known as
‘the greenhouse effect’, so called because it works in much the same way as a garden greenhouse – by trapping heat from the sun. Here’s what happens:
What is climate change?i
1492
Da Vinci theorises about fl ying machines
1801
Richard Trevithick invents fi rst steam-powered locomotive
Climate change timeline
What are the major historical developments that have contributed to the climate change story? We’ve tracked a few key dates and events under three separate headings: Home, work and travel Industry and technology Geo-political
Home, work and travel
The greenhouse effect
1. Energy from the sun enters our atmosphere, passing through the blanket of gases that surround the Earth.
2. As it reaches the Earth’s surface, much of the sun’s energy is absorbed by our planet’s land, water and biosphere.
3. Some of this energy is radiated back into space.
4. The rest of the energy is trapped in our atmosphere – and this is known as ‘the greenhouse effect’.
2
3
1
4
02/03
Photo: Traffi c, UK
Road transport now accounts for a fi fth of the UK’s entire national carbon emissions.
1879
Invention of the electric lightbulb
1885
Karl Benz builds world’s fi rst practical automobile
So what’s the problem?
Over the last hundred years or so, this blanket has become thicker because of the release of ‘greenhouse gases’ into the atmosphere through the burning of fossil fuels. The thicker blanket traps more energy causing the Earth’s temperature to rise.
Carbon dioxide (CO2) is the most important of the six greenhouse gases. Carbon (in combination with other elements) makes up the basis of life on Earth. Forests, soils, oceans and the atmosphere all absorb and release CO2. The movement of carbon between these sources is known as ‘the carbon cycle’. For more information on the carbon cycle, take a look at The Carbon Cycle animation included in this pack.
The problem now is that this natural cycle can’t keep up. Through the burning of fossil fuels, we’re creating a build-up of CO2 in the atmosphere. This build-up is a major factor in increasing the greenhouse effect, which is one of the main causes of climate change.
What’s more, our everyday energy use is adding to this build-up of CO2. More than 40% of CO2 emissions are the direct result of actions taken by individuals. Every time we use non-renewable electricity, drive a car or take a fl ight, we’re producing CO2, as all of these actions largely depend on fossil fuels. And every tonne we emit commits the world to more warming. That’s why it’s up to us all to do
something about it. Now.
e
1903
Wright brothers make their fi rst fl ight
1908
Henry Ford improves the assembly line for automobile production
1894
British fi rm Crompton & Co. features electric kettles in its catalogue
1913
Invention of the electric refrigerator
1931
Surveys of potential commercial air routes from the US to the Orient via Canada, Alaska and Russia
1939
First trans-Atlantic passenger service fl own by Pan American Airways
1952
First regular jet airline service
1958
More than 1million passengers fl y across the Atlantic, surpassing steamship passengers for the fi rst time
On the groundi
Climate change is big news. Increasing media coverage has helped raise awareness of local and global issues and has sparked action around the country.
Individuals, schools, community groups, NGOs, businesses and the government are now all involved in projects to tackle the causes of climate change.
In 2006, 83 Climate Change Fund (CCF) projects were selected to receive funding from Defra to help spread the word on climate change and encourage others to get involved.
Go to www.climatechallenge.gov.uk and click on ‘What’s being done’ to fi nd out more about projects in your region.
North East
The Experiential Climate Dome
Carbon Neutral North East
Using a ‘climate dome’ at a variety of locations across the North East, this project is aimed at highlighting the immediate impact of climate change. The dome includes interactive screens, games and communications materials that are easily adapted to the needs of different audiences.
Project:
Organisation:
West Midlands
Marches Cinema Short Film
The Rural Media Company
Costa del Marches, a short fi lm about climate change, was created for screening throughout the rural West Midlands. Working with partners Marches Energy Agency and Flicks in the Sticks, the project team is increasing awareness and discussion of climate change issues in rural communities.
Project:
Organisation:
1951
1.5 million TV sets in US
04/05
1971
Boeing 747 makes its fi rst commercial fl ight from New York to London
1997
EU deregulation of the air industry in Europe; low-cost air travel begins
2004
Carbon emissions from housing account for 27% of all the UK’s carbon dioxide emissions
2006
UK Government announces ambition to make all new homes ‘zero-carbon’ by 2016
East of England
On target for carbon
neutral football
Ipswich Borough Council
Targeting Ipswich Town Football Club’s strong fan base, this project communicates climate change through press, radio and football programmes. Fans were encouraged to reduce their carbon emissions, and the campaign culminated in the UK’s fi rst carbon neutral football match.
Project:
Organisation:
1974
First domestic food processor introduced in the UK
Other regional CCF projects. There are another 22 projects that cover the whole of England.
Asian Voice newspaper
Cambridge Carbon Footprint
Asian Voice, a widely read and well-trusted newspaper, agreed to include a regular column on climate change. Written by a member of Cambridge Carbon Footprint, the column helps raise awareness of environmental issues among the UK’s Asian community.
Project:
Organisation:
All England
Yorkshire and The Humber
Climate Change – Together
we can beat it!
Bradford Metropolitan
District Council
This project aims to inform, educate and raise awareness of climate change through a targeted marketing campaign. Press ads, billboards and events encourage the community to see climate change as a local issue and to take simple steps to help.
Project:
Organisation:
Getting thei point acrossi
04/05
c. 1800
Beginning of industrial revolution
1806
Invention of the internal combustion engine
1821
First electric motor
1879
Karl Benz granted a patent for his internal two-stroke gas engine
1882
The Electric Lighting Act allows setting up of supply systems by persons, companies or local authorities
Because everyone needs to take responsibility for climate change, everyone needs to know about it. That’s why it’s important for people not only to think about it, but to get involved.
In 2006, Defra ran a competition to fi nd nine Climate Change Champions aged 10 to 18 from across England. The Champions have been busy tackling climate change and will be in offi ce until autumn 2007.
The Champions are making a big difference. Find out more about what Aazim, Carri, David, Jordan, Lucy, Sarah, Sofi a, Stephanie and Zoheb are doing at www.climatechallenge.gov.uk. You can see short fi lms and read their blogs and news articles about how they are spreading the word about climate change.
Photo: Gurschen Glacier,
Switzerland
The Champions saw fi rst hand the effects of climate change on this Swiss glacier. They are pictured here marking the position of the glacier’s lower limit during the year they were born.
Industry and technology
06/07
1884
Invention of the steam turbine
1892
Rudolf Diesel develops the Carnot heat engine, a motor burning powdered coal dust
1896
Svante Arrhenius proposes a link between fossil fuels, carbon dioxide and global warming
1924
Based on 1920 coal use, prediction made that industrial activity will double atmospheric carbon dioxide in 500 years
Aazim Ihsan
London
Carri Swann
East Midlands
David Saddington
North East
Jordan Stephens
South East
Sarah Crudgington
East of England
Stephanie Lynch
North West
Sofi a Selska
West Midlands
Zoheb Khalil
Yorkshire and The HumberLucy Stansfi eld
South West
We are the
Champions!
04/05
1938
UK National Grid becomes integrated
1950s
Aerospace industry develops
1969
Astronauts fi rst walk on the moon
1951
Britain’s fi rst commercial computer, the Lyons Electronic Offi ce, is built
Carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions are caused in part as a direct result of our everyday activities. The following all result in CO2 being emitted into the atmosphere:
• burning fuel to heat our homes
• using electricity to power our lights and appliances
• using fuel to power our vehicles.
The total amount of CO2 generated by these activities is normally measured in tonnes.
On average, each household in the UK directly produces about 10 tonnes of carbon dioxide every year.
We also contribute CO2 to the atmosphere indirectly through the manufacture, distribution and disposal of the products we consume, including food.
Your carboni footprinti
08/0908/09
1980s
Rapid industrial development begins in China – pace set for next 20 years unprecedented in human history
1991
World Wide Web released to the public
2001
Nearly two-thirds of people in the UK (33 million people) now use the internet
The CO2 produced as a result of the actions of an individual, a household or an organisation is sometimes referred to as a ‘carbon footprint’.
Our footprints add up. The UK as a whole emitted 554 million tonnes of carbon dioxide in 2005. If we all tread lightly and minimise our footprints, our collective impact on the environment will be signifi cantly reduced. In this way, we can all contribute to tackling climate change.
* These are approximate values based on the underlying data used in the Act on CO2 calculator, see page 10.
40%of the average household’s
carbon footprint comes from personal transport,
i.e. cars, motorbikes and fl ights.*
60%of the average household’s
carbon footprint comes from home heating,
lighting and appliance use.*
The CO2 emissions from the home come from:
75% water and space heating,
and lighting
25% use of appliances.
04/05
1827
Jean Baptiste Fourier proposes the existence of an earth-warming atmospheric effect. The term ‘greenhouse effect’ is fi rst used
Calculating youriii carbonifootprinti
You can now work out how big your carbon footprint is by using the Government’s Act On CO2 calculator at www.direct.gov.uk/ActOnCO2.
The calculator focuses on the three most signifi cant areas where our actions lead directly to CO2 emissions:
• household heating, hot water and lighting
• appliances and gadgets
• personal transport.
The calculator will ask you for information about each of these areas and will then work out your individual and/or household footprints. It also gives you a personalised action plan to help you reduce your carbon footprint, which you can then save and return to later.
Turn your heating
thermostat down by 1ºC
It could save you 10% in heating bills. Generally, a comfortable living room temperature is around 21ºC, while the bedroom should be comfortable at 16–18ºC.
Turn gadget
Don’t leave gmobile phoneand games cowhen not in u
Close your curtains at night
It stops heat escaping through your windows.
Once you’ve
calculated your
own carbon dioxide
footprint, you can
work out ways to
reduce it. It’s easier
than you think. Here
are some ideas to
get you started.
Geo-political
1900
World population stands at 1.6 billion
1950s
Dramatic increase in carbon dioxide emissions
10/11
1979
World Climate Conference recognises the importance of climate change
1984
The Alliance of Small Island States (many of whom fear they will disappear as sea levels rise) demand a 20% emissions cut by 2005
Only fi ll the kettle with
the water you need
You waste energy if you boil more water than necessary.
adgets off
eave gadgets – such as TVs, phone chargers, computers mes consoles – on standby ot in use.
Install Energy Saving
Recommended lightbulbs
They last between 8 and 15 times longer than traditional bulbs.
Insulate your loft
You can typically save 0.4 tonnes of CO2 a year, and nearly 10% on your heating bill.
If you can, try alternatives to
the car for short journeys
Walking, cycling or using public transport will help reduce your carbon footprint.
Buy energy-effi cient
appliances
Look for fridges, freezers and washing machines with the Energy Saving Recommended logo and save money and energy.
Wash laundry at 30ºC
Selecting the 30ºC cycle cuts electricity use by up to 40%, compared with washing clothesat higher temperatures.
1975
World population reaches 4 billion
1957
Start of long-term carbon dioxide monitoring by US scientist David Keeling; year-on-year rise seen
04/05
of adults said that they are already taking some action.
of young people believe that the world’s climate is changing.
Figuring outi climate changei
When you are making a communication plan, one of the fi rst steps is to understand what people think about climate change now.
Defra has been tracking public awareness and understanding of climate change. To fi nd out more, go to www.climatechallenge.gov.uk and look at ‘What do people think?’ in the ‘Communicate climate change’ section.
Here are some of the latest statistics:
study climate change at school, and
Almostof young people
of young people feel that they should spend more time learning about it.
1988
Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) is set up by theWorld Meteorological Organization
1990
IPCC’s fi rst report states that the average world temperature has increased by 0.5°C since the beginning of the 20th century
1985
First major international conference on the greenhouse effect is held in Austria
1987
Discovery of link between atmospheric carbon dioxide levels and temperature, going back more than 100,000 years
of adults think that climate change is caused by human behaviour.
think that the Government can infl uence climate change.
of adults
1997
Kyoto Protocol agrees to binding cuts in emissions for industrialised nations to be met between 2008 and 2012
12/13
of adults think that recent warmer weather is part of climate change. Just
young people say that they could use less energy at home.
of adults have heard of climate change.
of young people think that they can personally have a big infl uence on climate change.
of adultsand
Source: Adult research conducted by ICM for Defra among a representative sample of approximately 3,100 adults in the UK. Four waves were conducted six-monthly from March 2005. All fi gures are taken from the March 2007 research unless otherwise stated. Research on young people conducted by LVQ among a representative sample of approximately 750 11–17-year-olds in England in May 2006.
of young people think that the world is affected by climate change; a third think that it will become affected in the next two decades.
1992
Climate Change Convention signed in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, by 154 nations, sets initial emissions reduction targets
1990
World population reaches 5.26 billion
of adults say that they could help by driving less or not driving at all.
thought so in March 2006.
Communicatingi climate changei
Let’s talk about it
To encourage people to make a
difference you need to get the
message out.
Think about what your audience
needs to know and how they might
be able to change their actions
in simple ways that will help the
environment. The clearer you can
be about what you want them to do,
the better.
You know your audience best – what
are they most likely to respond to?
Creating a communications
plan Consider the following
ideas when planning your
communications:
Messages Create some simple
messages. Would they work better
in a press release, in a report or
on a website?
Tone of voice If you’re speaking
in public, it helps to use one style of
language; if you’re writing a press
release, it helps to use another.
Partners If you can link your
message to another issue, you might
be able to share resources.
Timing Your message might be
effective, but if your email gets
delivered when everyone’s too busy
with other things, it won’t be read.
04/05
2003
Temperature in the UK exceeds 37.8°C (100°F) for the fi rst time. Over 2,000 deaths that summer are attributed to the hot weather
2003
Third hottest year on record globally. Hottest summer for at least 500 years in Europe, where 35,000 deaths are attributed to the heatwave; direct link made with climate change
1998
Hottest year on record in the hottest decade on record
Budget You’ve got a clear idea
of how much money you’ve got,
and what it will buy. There are
ways of getting information into
newspapers and magazines for free.
For example, you could use a press
release or an article instead of an ad.
Ask the audience what they
think Did it work for them?
Did they understand what you
were trying to say? Did it make a
difference? All of this information is
valuable for your next campaign.
Choosing the right channel There
are thousands of different ways to
communicate your message, but it’s
important to use those that will be
most effective for you.
Here are some examples:
• Traditional media –
newspapers, radio stations,
TV stations, magazines
• Events – speeches,
conferences, forums
• New media – websites,
email, text messages
• Partnership marketing
– promotions, sponsorship,
special offers
• Internal communications
– reports, brochures,
newsletters
• Direct marketing –
direct mail, cold calling
14/15
2005
Kyoto Protocol comes into force
2005
G8 Gleneagles Summit; climate change one of two main issues addressed
2005
Hurricane Katrina devastates New Orleans; researchers link record US hurricane season and melting sea ice and Siberian permafrost to climate change
04/05
2006
The Stern Review is published. It’s the fi rst report of its kind into the economic impact of the climate change. The costs of inaction far outweigh the costs of action now
2007
IPCC confi rms that there is a greater than 90% chance that global warming over the last 50 years is due to man
2006
Al Gore, former US Vice President, wins an Oscar for the fi lm An Inconvenient Truth, which issues a warning about climate change
Do you know whoi you’re talking to?i
If you are going to communicate some of the issues surrounding climate change and encourage people to adapt some of their behaviours, you need to fi nd out:
• who they are (socio-demographics)
• what they do (current behaviours)
• how they think and feel (their attitudes).
By thinking about your audience in this way, you will often fi nd that you have more information about them than you thought. It helps you to work out what people will be prepared to do, as well as the most effective messages and communication channels.
For example, Defra is undertaking research to develop an environmental segmentation model informed by people’s attitudes, values and current environmental behaviours.
If you’d like to fi nd out more about what people in the UK think about climate change, to help you understand how to target them, go to the ‘Communicating climate change’ section at www.climatechallenge.gov.uk.
Here are some examples of how different people might feel about being more environmentally friendly:
Waste not, want not –i it’s important to live lifei thinking about whati you’re doing and using.i
16/17
2007
IPCC reports that the planet has warmed 0.74°C since the beginning of the 20th century
2007
Draft Climate Change Bill published by theUK Government
2007
For the fi rst time, half of the world’s population lives in cities
I think it’s importantii that I doieverythingi I can to helpi the environment.i
You should do everythingi you caniwithin thei constraints of modern living.i I do my bit and that’s enough.i
I don’t see others doingi much more than me.i
To be honest, I don’ti really thinkiaboutii the environment.i
I know I should do more, but at thei moment I can’t…and I don’t do muchi to cause damage anyway. I’ll do moreii when I have more money or time.i
If it saves me money,i then it’siworth doing buti otherwiseiI can’tireallyi do much.i
Partly as a result of unpredictable and unseasonal weather, the issue of climate change has become a major focus for public attention. Other factors involved in this increased awareness include the following:
• Scientifi c reports have been published, based on the work of some of the world’s top scientists. These show that the problem is real and that man is largely responsible.
• Politicians from all of the UK’s main parties have broadly agreed that climate change poses a serious threat and that action needs to be taken now.
Other climate changei resourcesi
18/19
• Civil society – including NGOs (non-governmental organisations) – have lobbied government and have delivered clear messages to the public in order to address climate change.
The media has also played a vital role in bringing climate change to the forefront of people’s minds. The issue has gained such prominence that newspapers are now running feature articles almost every day – covering the science, economics, geo-politics and the impact on the weather. Major TV news reports and documentaries have also been aired, and related programmes (such as home improvement shows) are also focusing on environmental issues.
Although these media channels provide an excellent range of stories about climate change, it’s the internet that’s providing the most diverse range of messages. It’s important to look at a range of sources when conducting your own research, and you should make sure that your information is as up-to-date and reliable as possible.
Government websites are a good starting point. For a general overview of climate change – particularly how to communicate and how to get involved – visit www.climatechallenge.gov.uk.
At www.direct.gov.uk/greenerliving, you can fi nd more practical steps you can take to tackle climate change.
These fall under:
• Greener living: a quick guide
• Greener home
• Greener garden
• Waste and recycling
• Energy and water saving
• Greener shopping
• Greener travel
• Greener work, school and community
• Greener food and drink
• Greener life events
You can fi nd out more about climate change and what’s being done here in the UK and internationally to tackle the problem at: www.defra.gov.uk/environment/
climatechange
More information is available from the Department for Transport at:www.dft.gov.uk/ActOnCO2
Other useful sites include:
www.bbc.co.uk/climate
www.tyndall.ac.uk
www.energysavingtrust.org.uk
www.metoffi ce.gov.uk/research/
hadleycentre
www.ipcc.ch 20/21
Use this checklist as a quick
reference guide for your
communications and the actions
you want to take.
Plan your communications
Decide who you want your communications to target
Find out what they currently think about climate change
Defi ne what it is you want them to do
Decide the voice and channel your communications will use
Check the timings and budgets you need for your communications
Take local action
Whether you’re working on communications or just keen to make a difference, try to set an example for others using the advice on pages 10/11
Find out about climate change projects and other activities that are happening near you
Know your CO2
Find out what your carbon footprint is at www.direct.gov.uk/ActonCO2
Set yourself a goal to reduce your carbon footprint over the next six months
Next stepsi
The climate change communications initiative is led by Defra in partnership with the Energy Saving Trust, the Carbon Trust, the Department of Trade and Industry, the Environment Agency, the UK Climate Impacts Programme and the Department for Transport.
This paper is made from 100% post-consumer waste.
©Crown Copyright 2007 Issued June 2007
Acknowledgements:
Angela Hampton/EcosceneTopFoto/National Champions’ photos Allan Staley/Alex Beaton