The Lowdown on Global Warming

Global warming and climate change are matters that have increasingly been in the public eye in recent times and worldwide action is being taken to tackle the affect these two factors have on the environment.

Global warming results in climate change which in turn has implications for everyday activities and factors, such as growing crops and nature conservation.

Global warming is an increase in the average temperature of the earth's atmosphere and a sustained increase causes climatic change and alters long-term weather patterns. The world is experiencing global warming because too much carbon dioxide is being released into the atmosphere.

The carbon rises to the earth’s upper atmosphere where it acts like an insulating coat, reflecting heat from the sun back to the earth’s surface.

Changes to the climate come with potentially damaging consequences. Ice caps are starting to melt at the Poles, which could cause sea levels to rise. Higher temperatures and less rainfall are being recorded in areas which already suffer from drought.

One of the main sources of carbon is the burning of fossil fuels for energy, typically used to heat homes and run vehicles like cars and motorbikes.

More and more energy providers are recognising the negative effects of climate change and introducing different ways of tackling the issue.

There are several ways in which you can also help to combat climate change. Buying green energy is a good way of helping to reduce some of the causes of climate change.

Look for providers who use clean, renewable sources which are better for the environment. Some providers offer green energy at the same price as the standard service so doing your bit for the earth wouldn’t cost you any extra.

You could also investigate the possibility of making your own energy. Solar panels can generate electricity and hot water for your home which saves you money and reduces carbon emissions. Some providers even offer to buy back any excess electricity you generate so you can be sure energy is not being wasted.

There are also ways you can save energy around the home. Cavity walls and roofs account for the majority of heat lost in the home so insulating these areas significantly reduces consumption. Fitting a jacket around your hot water tank also helps to conserve gas and electricity.

Have your boiler serviced regularly to make sure everything is in working order and replace any old devices as they can run inefficiently and use more energy than need be.

When it comes to the devices you use around the home you can save pennies by doing a few simple things.

Avoid using the standby button as this can actually use more energy than what is required to operate the appliance in the first place. Simply switching off your electrical items instead of using stand-by can save several pounds each month and decreases energy consumption.