Climate Watch
Stop Climate Chaos
Climate change poses the single greatest threat to wildlife in Kent and throughout the world. That is why the Wildlife Trusts are part of the coalition to Stop Climate Chaos, why we are promoting energy-saving lifestyles, and why we are working to find ways of protecting wildlife from the effects of global warming.
This section of our website provides news and information about global warming, and its effects on wildlife. Start here for information on why climate change is important, what it means for wildlife, and how you can save energy and really make a difference.
Global Warming . . .
... is a reality, and its early effects are already being felt. If you have any doubt about the reality of man-made climate change, then the website of the Royal Society presents a sound scientific view of this complex subject.
...has consequences for us all. Flood, famine and drought could affect millions of people later this century, with widespread extinction of plant and animal species.
... is mainly caused by an increase in the amount of carbon dioxide in the earth's atmosphere over the last two hundred years. This increase is mainly due to increased use of fossil fuel and higher demands for energy.
... needs to be addressed on two fronts. Firstly, carbon dioxide levels need to be reduced as soon as possible if projected higher global temperatures are to be avoided. Secondly, action is required to prepare for its likely impacts, including helping wildlife to adapt to the climate change.
...concerns us all, and local action is needed everywhere. Doing nothing is not an option. Every action to reduce energy consumption, no matter how small, rapidly becomes worthwhile in energy terms as more people join in.
... requires a worldwide response to reduce atmospheric carbon dioxide levels. The UK is committed to reducing carbon dioxide emissions to 60% of 1990 levels by 2050.
Useful links
There are a number of key websites you can visit to find out what you can do, and learn about the work other local, national, international organisations are undertaking:
- Lobby the government via the I Count website.
- Learn about saving energy in the home on the Kent Energy Centre website.
- Visit Natural England's Climate Change section to find out what they are undertaking in England.
- Find out about WWF's climate change work.
- Learn about the Governments positive action on DEFRA's website.
- South East Climate Change Partnership Find out what is happening in the region.
