… February 2023 5 1.0: Introduction to Climate Change 1.1: What is Climate Change? The term Climate Change refers to the shift in global weather patterns caused by a rise in global atmospheric temperature. Naturally occurring greenhouse gases including carbon dioxide and methane, support life on Earth by trapping solar heat within our atmosphere and creating stable, regional…
… consequences. 1.1.1: Additional information: Greenhouse gases (GHG) Greenhouse gas is any gas that is found in the atmosphere which absorbs and reemits infrared energy (heat). This heat contributes to the greenhouse effect which keeps Earth’s atmosphere warmer than it would be without GHGs. 1.1.2: Additional information: The importance of carbon The element Carbon is found everywhere on Earth…
…’ forever, its moves between these regions providing an important role in each of them, this is known as the carbon cycle. A simplified description of how carbon moves between reservoirs is described below. Geological processes, such as volcanoes and weathering of rocks, transports carbon from the geological to the atmospheric reservoir, as carbon dioxide gas. Carbon traps heat from the Sun…
… these effects as warmer annual temperatures, increased rainfall and flooding, and an increase in extreme weather events such as heat waves and storms. More frequent and severe weather events are predicted for the future, resulting in significant environmental and economic impacts and risks to health and wellbeing: • Hotter summers and more frequent heatwaves lead to increased risks to vulnerable members…
…. Providing good quality housing – Fuel efficient, well insulated, and comfortable housing will help to manage fuel costs, tackle fuel poverty, and promote social equality in the borough. Warmer homes during cold weather and cooler homes during heat waves, work towards protecting vulnerable people and may reduce excess deaths and further demand on health care and the NHS. Ensuring effective strategic…