Climate Change

The earth is surrounded by a blanket of gases that keeps the surface of the earth warm. This blanket is getting thicker, trapping more heat. This is caused by the release of greenhouse gases as we burn fossil fuels (coal, gas and oil) for energy.

Carbon Dioxide (CO₂) is the main greenhouse gas which causes climate change. Carbon Dioxide is released at power stations which run on fossil fuels (coal, gas and oil), to create the electricity used in our homes, offices and leisure facilities. Carbon Dioxide is also released when we use gas to power heaters and ovens in buildings, and when oil is burnt to fuel cars, planes and other vehicles.

Why do we need to prevent Climate Change?

Scientists predict the following headline impacts for the South East (Source: UKCP 09):

Warmer drier Summers
Warmer wetter winters
Changes in rainfall patterns
Sea level rise resulting in coastal flooding
More extreme weather events such as heat waves and flooding

More information about climate change can be found on the DirectGov website>>

What is the Government doing about Climate Change

The Climate Change Act 2008 means that the UK is the first country in the world to have a legally binding, long term framework to cut our carbon emissions. The legislation also looks at how to adapt to ‘Climate Change’.

The act makes suggestions to move the UK towards a low carbon economy and sets a target of at least an 80% reduction in greenhouse gasses by 2050. By 2020 it’s hoped that emissions will have fallen by 34%. Both targets are set against a 1990 baseline.

For more information on what the government is doing, please visit the DECC website>>

Havant Borough Council and Climate Change

The Councils vision of a sustainable future is “to protect the stewardship of the borough for future generations.” The Council recognises that climate change is happening and is fully committed to reducing the causes of climate change and adapting to its impacts.

The Council has signed the Nottingham Declaration on climate change which is a voluntary pledge to address climate change issues at a local level. The Council has also joined the 10:10 campaign which means that the council aims to reduce its carbon emissions by 10% in 2010.

Click here to find out more about the 10:10 campaign in Havant>>

What is the council doing?

A number of different actions are being taken:

Joined the 10:10 campaign to reduce carbon emissions by 10 % in one year
Top up means tested Warm Front Grants through ‘PUSH4 Safer Homes.’.
Partnership working with the Energy Saving Trust, promoting initiatives such as ‘Home Energy Checks’, while building commitment with staff.
Providing Energy Monitors in local libraries to encourage residents to save energy and reduce their fuel bills.
The introduction of a sustainability strategic group, champions, and a sustainability action plan.
Involvement in the Big Green Commuter Challenge.
Involvement in the WWF Earth Hour 2010.
WarblingtonCemetery’s natural burial area won a Green Apple Award for Environmental Best Practice 2009.
PublicService Villageis being built to the BREEAM (BRE Environmental Assessment Method), Very Good standard
Developing a workplace travel plan to raise awareness of, and change the travel habits of staff and visitors to Havant Borough Council’s upcoming Public Service Village

It’s down to all of us to make our contribution, visit our ‘what can you do?’ pages>> for some top tips.

Havant Borough Council, Civic Centre Road, Havant, Hampshire PO9 2AX