Hottest summer on record ‘is a wake-up call for all’

Latest figures showing that this summer was officially the hottest on record in England are a wake-up call says a Midlands energy expert.

“Climate change and global warming are all too evident,” said Ron Fox, of Noreus Ltd. “With extreme weather ever more likely we need urgent action to cut greenhouse gas emissions and build a cleaner, greener economy in our country.”

His views were backed by Mike Childs, head of policy at Friends of the Earth, and Tony Juniper, executive director of the environment campaign WWF (World Wide Fund for Nature), who both said if we don’t act right away the planet will soon pass the point of no return.

Ron, who is based on the University of Keele Science and Innovation Park in Staffordshire, said now was the ideal time for the political parties to act at this month’s party political conferences.

“They should show leadership by ending our fixation with fossil fuels, by investing in green energy efficiency and developing the UK’s huge renewable power potential with sun, wind and wave power,” he said.

The Met Office said that the three months between June and August this year were the joint warmest for the whole of the UK since its records began in 1910. Average temperature in England hit 17.1C (62.7F), beating the previous high of 17C recorded in 1976. Wales had its second hottest summer with average temperatures of 15.9C, just below the record set in 1995

But Ron said everyone could play their part in helping cut global warming.

Ten simple steps to help cut global warming:

1. Replace inefficient incandescent light bulbs with efficient CFLs or LEDs.
2. Stop using disposable plastics, especially single-use plastics like bottles, bags and straws.
3. Use a water filter to purify tap water or reuse bottles for water and mugs for coffee to reduce plastic waste.
4. Run your dishwasher only when it’s full to save water and energy.
5. Take a shorter shower and use a water-saving shower head.
6. Turn off and unplug electronics you’re not using them and switch off your computer at night and lights when you leave a room.
7. Install solar panels using free sunlight to heat your home.
8. Move your heater thermostat down two degrees in winter and up two degrees in the summer.
9. Install a solar assisted heat pump or solar thermodynamic panels which can provide constant hot water from only 90p a week and central heating for around £5 a week.
10. Insulate and draught-proof your home by spray foaming the loft, the inside and outside walls which can also cut energy bills by up to 45 per cent.

“Hopefully, this summer will be remembered for two reasons,” said Ron. “Firstly, because people had a great holiday and secondly, because this heatwave finally ended climate denial.”

For more advice on green energy contact Ron on 01782 756995 or go to www.noreus.co.uk