Climate Change
What is climate change?
We’ve all likely heard the term ‘climate change’, but what does it actually mean? Well ‘climate change’ refers to long-term changes in the weather, for example warmer, wetter, or drier spells over a long period (decades or even longer).
How does it happen?
Some of these changes are natural owing to the sun’s activity, and these changes have occurred extremely slowly, over thousands or even millions of years. Since the 1800s recorded changes have become much more extreme, with changes occurring over decades as opposed to millenniums. The main cause of this is human activity such as burning fossil fuels (coal, oil, and gas), which release greenhouse gases into the atmosphere.
How do greenhouse gases affect climate change?
Firstly, greenhouse gases exist in the Earth’s atmosphere. They let sunlight in, but prevent heat escaping back into space and have a warming effect, much similar to how a greenhouse works. The main greenhouse gases that exist in our atmosphere are:
- Carbon Dioxide: This is the greenhouse gas you’ve most likely heard of. It is released by burning coal, gas, and oil (fossil fuels).
- Methane: This is released during the production and transportation of fossil fuels, as well as from livestock and food waste.
- Nitrous Oxide: This is also released by burning fossil fuels, but also through the use of nitrogen-based fertilisers.
- Fluorinated gases: these are human made gases that exist in aerosols, solvents, and as coolants in refrigeration, air conditioning etc.
Does climate change impact Doncaster?
Yes. The impacts of climate change are felt in so many ways, but the most notable in recent memory are extreme flooding events, wildfires, and intense heatwaves.
So, can we do anything about this?
Of course! Everyone can make a difference in tackling climate change, from individual actions to collective action, and those in power providing the finance and opportunities that help everyone take action.
Collectively Doncaster can work together to tackle climate change by helping:
- Reducing the amount of greenhouse gases we release into the air
- Protecting nature from climate change, and helping it to thrive
- Preparing for the impacts of climate changes on our lives
- Adapting to the changes we already experience