Climate Change
Climate change is caused by human interference with the
‘greenhouse effect’. The greenhouse effect is the natural process
by which certain gases trap heat inside the Earth’s atmosphere. An
increase in the amount of these gases, caused by human activity, is
leading to an increase in global temperature and to global climate
change.
Visit
DirectGov and the BBC’s website for more
information on climate change.
What causes climate change?
There are several greenhouse gases that are responsible for
human-induced climate change; however carbon dioxide has been the
primary focus of concern. Approximately 63 per cent of the warming
effect of greenhouse gas increases over the past 100 years has been
attributed to carbon dioxide, whilst 24 per cent has been
attributed to methane. The remainder is down to a mix of various
other gases, the most potent of which are covered by the Kyoto
protocol.
What are the likely effects of climate change?
The effects of climate change will vary between regions and are
still uncertain. Hadley Centre research shows that they are likely
to include:
- higher temperatures
- more extreme weather events
- less rain overall, especially in the south, east and in
summer
- more severe and frequent river and coastal floods
- loss of wildlife
- more ‘outdoor’ lifestyles
Nottingham Declaration on Climate Change
On 11 January 2007 Ashford Borough Council took a historic step
by signing up to a key agreement to combat global warming.
The Nottingham Declaration on Climate Change requires local
authorities to work with the community to develop and action plan
to tackle climate change at a local level.
It is a voluntary pledge to address the issue of climate change.
It represents a high-level, broad statement of commitment.
Download the Nottingham
Declaration on Climate Change 154Kb PDF.
Ashford Borough Council's response to Climate
Change
Addressing the effects of climate change can bring social,
environmental and financial benefits for a local authority.
The Council has prepared an action plan, in conjunction
with the Carbon Trust's Carbon Management Programme, to
consider how the council can deliver its commitment to the
Nottingham Declaration on Climate Change.
The Council's commitment to tackling Climate Change through its'
interactions with the local area it serves are enshrined in a
Position Statement of August 2011. The Council has also
prepared an action plan, in conjunction with the Carbon Trust's
Carbon Management Programme, to consider how the council can
deliver its commitment to the Nottingham Declaration on Climate
Change
Download the Council's Position Statement from August 2011
Download the Council's Carbon Management Programme Action
Plan
Further information can be found below:
This webpage was updated on
2/1/2012