What is Climate Change?

Our planet is surrounded by a 'blanket' of gases which keep the temperature warm and able to sustain life. However, by thickening this blanket through increased greenhouse gas emissions we are trapping more and more heat, which is changing our climate. This is called global warming.

Concentrations of greenhouse gases (such as carbon dioxide, methane and nitrous oxide) are now higher than they ever have been in the last 800,000 years. Our global our climate is changing at an alarmingly faster rate than is 'natural'. As heat enters into the atmosphere from the sun, it is trapped by these gases.

The major greenhouse gas contributing to global warming is carbon dioxide. Conentrations of carbon dioxide have increased dramatically in the 200 years since the beginning of the 'Industrial Revolution'.

Scientific research indicates that as global warming becomes greater, we may experience extreme events in greater intensity and frequency. Changing climate also has major implications for the earth's ecosystems, animal habitats, biodiversity and human populations.

What Can YOU do?

It is widely agreed that the worst effects of climage change can be largely avioded if we reduce the amount of pollution we produce in our day-to-day lives. This means:

• Using less electricity in our homes
• Using energy efficient appliances
• Investing in solar power for your home, including solar hot water
• Using the car less, or at least switch to a more fuel efficient one
• Buying locally grown food and produce
• Producing less waste and avoiding using products that are not bio-degradable
• Purchasing carbon offsets
• recycling your waste (including E-Waste) and use recycled products where possible too!
• Using less paper
• Planting more trees around your property as they help clean the soil, help control noise pollution, slow down storm water run-off, are important carbon sinks, provide shade and can create a cool envelope of air around your house.

   

COOLmob are committed to helping people reduce their carbon footprint by living a more sustainable lifestyle.

For ways to reduce your carbon footprint in your home click here

You can also download the COOLmob Booklets on Sustainable Living in the Tropics for advice on sustainable living, home hardware, myths on energy use and designing your own sustainable home.