GLOBAL POLLUTION
There are many global issues from acid rain to carbon dioxide emissions. Acid rain is difficult to impact at a local level but carbon dioxide emissions can be reduced by changing the way we do things. If everyone altered their practices globally we could stem the onset of global warming. Look at www.climateark.org or www.nationalgeographic.com for more information. We can reduce our carbon footprint by changing our behavior. The things which contribute most to global warming are:
-Travel for holidays. We can reduce this impact by taking some holidays more locally. For example look at a driving holiday - www.vcacarfueldata.org.uk . If you are flying (and remember that tourism does underpin the economy of many developing countries) then you can reduce your carbon footprint by going light on luggage; travelling economy (more people per plane!) and choosing a carbon aware airline like BA, Easijet or Virgin with a low emission fleet.
-Travel for work. We can reduce this impact by utilising tele and video conferencing where possible. Aeroplanes emit 1.68% of global greenhouse gas emissions, only slightly more than the amount attributable to buses. Livestock farming generates 4.34%! Gases are emitted from aircraft at high altitudes so the warming effect is greater than the CO2 emissions alone suggest. The growth of aviation is likely to lead to a 5% contribution by 2050.
-Commuting by car. We can reduce this impact by car pooling, using public transport or a bicycle. Look at www.green-car-guide.com to see which car is the least polluting.
We can help by:
+Planting more trees. We can do this in our garden, if we have space. Try WWW.COMMUNITYTREETRUST.CO.UK or call Colin Carpenter on 07751356094. We could also help within the local area via www.woodland-trust.org.uk or through local schemes to support planting.
+Carbon Offsetting does not eliminate the problem but it is a step in the right direction. Try www.thec-changetrust.com, www.carbon-clear.com, www.carbonneutral.com, www.climatecare.org, www.co2balance.com. These are ways of reducing our carbon footprint by helping tree planting globally.
