Six ways you can slow down climate change

With scientists predicting our overheating world will pass the key temperature limit for the first time within the next four years, many people will be asking what can they do to help slow down climate change.

Midlands environment expert Ron Fox said it was very worrying that experts predict that there was now a 66 per cent chance that we will pass the 1.5C global warming threshold between now and 2027.

If the world passes the limit, scientists stress the breach, while worrying, will likely be temporary and that there is still time to restrict global warming by cutting emissions sharply.

Ron said although world leaders need to make major changes on a global level, there were still six ways householders could help.

Do your homework:

Use less energy by lowering your heating, switching to LED light bulbs and energy-efficient electric appliances. Dry your clothes outside or inside, instead of using a tumble dryer. Also switch off lights and appliances when not in use.

Go green:

Switching to a renewable energy provider or a green tariff can significantly reduce a household’s carbon footprint. Cut your energy bills by improving your home’s energy efficiency through better insulation and by putting solar panels on your roof. Replace your oil or gas furnace with an electric heat pump which can reduce your carbon footprint by up to 900 kilograms of CO2 per year. The UK government is offering grants of £5,000 to install heat pumps in England and Wales under its Boiler Upgrade Scheme which runs until 2025.

Cut down on red meat and food waste:

Livestock creates 14 per cent of all greenhouse gases globally, so the most effective way is to reduce eating lamb and beef. A UN report said between 8 and 10per cent of global carbon emissions are linked to produce thrown away.

In a nutshell:

Eating more vegetables, fruits, whole grains, nuts and seeds, can significantly lower your environmental impact as producing plant-based foods results in fewer greenhouse gas emissions and requires less energy, land and water.

Drive less, fly less:

Transport is responsible for almost a quarter of carbon dioxide global emissions with flying the most carbon intensive. Cutting back on cars can be difficult but small steps still have an impact, like walking and cycling to the shops or sharing journeys with friends or neighbours. For longer journeys consider taking a train or bus.

Reduce, reuse, repair and recycle:

Electronics, clothes, and other items we buy cause carbon emissions at each point in production, from the extraction of raw materials to manufacturing and transporting goods to market.

To protect our climate, buy fewer things such as new clothes, shop second-hand, repair what you can and recycle.

When an electrical item such as a washing machine needs replacing buy the most energy-efficient product.

“All these small steps can all help in the world’s giant stride to cut harmful global emissions,” said Ron, of Noreus Ltd on the University of Keele Science Innovation Park.

If you want any advice on cutting your carbon footprint contact Ron on 0845 474 6641.

 

Caption: A new cycle – when replacing a washing machine buy the most energy-efficient product.