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.
Addressing the effects of climate change can bring social,
environmental and financial benefits for a local authority.
The Council is working with the Kent Energy Centre to prepare an
action plan to consider how the council can deliver its commitment
to the Nottingham Declaration on Climate Change.
Download the Nottingham Declaration
on Climate Change 154Kb PDF.
Further information can be found below:
This webpage was updated on 5/27/2008