Climate change: Your guidei to inspiring actioni Climate change is one of the most urgent issues of our time It is the greatest environmental challenge we face today as a global community Photo: Flooding in Boscastle, Cornwall, 2004 An indication of the type of event that scientists say will become more frequent in the future Given the enormity of the problem of climate change and its consequences – heatwaves, flooding, more frequent storms – people may find it hard to believe that they can anything to help But the fact is, man-made greenhouse gases contribute significantly to climate change, and action from individuals, government and businesses is vital if we are to put the brakes on it If we all make some simple changes, our collective effort will help make a difference This booklet is intended to help raise awareness of climate change and encourage and inspire local action It is also designed to act as a communications tool, showing you how to spread the message and generate discussion on what to You can use this booklet in conjunction with the accompanying website, www.climatechallenge.gov.uk, which contains further information, ideas and resources The weight of evidence for climate change, and the i link withigreenhouse gas emissions, most notably i carbon dioxide,iis in my view now unarguable This is i a globaliproblem requiring a global solution, but we i can all help to makeia difference If we reduce the amount i of energy we use andimake our energy consumption i more efficient, we will reduceithe impact that we, i as individuals, have on the environment i Sir David King, UK Government’s Chief Scientific Adviser Contents 02–03 What is climate change? 04–05 On the ground 06–07 Getting the point across 08–09 Your carbon footprint 10–11 Calculating your carbon footprint 12–13 Figuring out climate change 14–15 Communicating climate change 16–17 Do you know who you’re talking to? 18–19 Other climate change resources 20–21 Next steps 01 What is climate change?i Our planet is surrounded by a blanket of gases This blanket keeps the surface of the Earth warm and enables it to sustain life This process is known as ‘the greenhouse effect’, so called because it works in much the same way as a garden greenhouse – by trapping heat from the sun Here’s what happens: The greenhouse effect Energy from the sun enters our atmosphere, passing through the blanket of gases that surround the Earth As it reaches the Earth’s surface, much of the sun’s energy is absorbed by our planet’s land, water and biosphere Some of this energy is radiated back into space 4 The rest of the energy is trapped in our atmosphere – and this is known as ‘the greenhouse effect’ Climate change timeline What are the major historical developments that have contributed to the climate change story? We’ve tracked a few key dates and events under three separate headings: Home, work and travel Industry and technology Geo-political Home, work and travel 1801 Richard Trevithick invents first steampowered locomotive 1492 Da Vinci theorises about flying machines So what’s the problem? Over the last hundred years or so, this blanket has become thicker because of the release of ‘greenhouse gases’ into the atmosphere through the burning of fossil fuels The thicker blanket traps more energy causing the Earth’s temperature to rise Carbon dioxide (CO2) is the most important of the six greenhouse gases Carbon (in combination with other elements) makes up the basis of life on Earth Forests, soils, oceans and the atmosphere all absorb and release CO2 The movement of carbon between these sources is known as ‘the carbon cycle’ For more information on the carbon cycle, take a look at The Carbon Cycle animation included in this pack The problem now is that this natural cycle can’t keep up Through the burning of fossil fuels, we’re creating a build-up of CO2 in the atmosphere This build-up is a major factor in increasing the greenhouse effect, which is one of the main causes of climate change What’s more, our everyday energy use is adding to this build-up of CO2 More than 40% of CO2 emissions are the direct result of actions taken by individuals Every time we use non-renewable electricity, drive a car or take a flight, we’re producing CO2, as all of these actions largely depend on fossil fuels And every tonne we emit commits the world to more warming That’s why it’s up to us all to something about it Now Photo: Traffic, UK Road transport now accounts for a fifth of the UK’s entire national carbon emissions 1879 Invention of the electric lightbulb 1903 Wright brothers make their first flight e 1885 Karl Benz builds world’s first practical automobile 1894 British firm Crompton & Co features electric kettles in its catalogue 1908 Henry Ford improves the assembly line for automobile production 02/03 On the groundi North East Climate change is big news Increasing media coverage has helped raise awareness of local and global issues and has sparked action around the country Project: Organisation: Carbon Neutral North East Using a ‘climate dome’ at a variety of locations across the North East, this project is aimed at highlighting the immediate impact of climate change The dome includes interactive screens, games and communications materials that are easily adapted to the needs of different audiences Individuals, schools, community groups, NGOs, businesses and the government are now all involved in projects to tackle the causes of climate change In 2006, 83 Climate Change Fund (CCF) projects were selected to receive funding from Defra to help spread the word on climate change and encourage others to get involved Go to www.climatechallenge.gov.uk and click on ‘What’s being done’ to find out more about projects in your region The Experiential Climate Dome West Midlands Project: Marches Cinema Short Film Organisation: The Rural Media Company Costa del Marches, a short film about climate change, was created for screening throughout the rural West Midlands Working with partners Marches Energy Agency and Flicks in the Sticks, the project team is increasing awareness and discussion of climate change issues in rural communities 1931 Surveys of potential commercial air routes from the US to the Orient via Canada, Alaska and Russia 1913 Invention of the electric refrigerator 1939 First trans-Atlantic passenger service flown by Pan American Airways 1952 First regular jet airline service 1951 1.5 million TV sets in US 1958 More than 1million passengers fly across the Atlantic, surpassing steamship passengers for the first time Yorkshire and The Humber East of England Project: Climate Change – Together we can beat it! Organisation: Bradford Metropolitan District Council This project aims to inform, educate and raise awareness of climate change through a targeted marketing campaign Press ads, billboards and events encourage the community to see climate change as a local issue and to take simple steps to help Project: On target for carbon neutral football Organisation: Ipswich Borough Council Targeting Ipswich Town Football Club’s strong fan base, this project communicates climate change through press, radio and football programmes Fans were encouraged to reduce their carbon emissions, and the campaign culminated in the UK’s first carbon neutral football match All England Project: Asian Voice newspaper Organisation: Cambridge Carbon Footprint Asian Voice, a widely read and well-trusted newspaper, agreed to include a regular column on climate change Written by a member of Cambridge Carbon Footprint, the column helps raise awareness of environmental issues among the UK’s Asian community Other regional CCF projects There are another 22 projects that cover the whole of England 1971 Boeing 747 makes its first commercial flight from New York to London 1974 First domestic food processor introduced in the UK 2006 UK Government announces ambition to make all new homes ‘zero-carbon’ by 2016 1997 EU deregulation of the air industry in Europe; low-cost air travel begins 2004 Carbon emissions from housing account for 27% of all the UK’s carbon dioxide emissions 04/05 Getting thei point acrossi Because everyone needs to take responsibility for climate change, everyone needs to know about it That’s why it’s important for people not only to think about it, but to get involved In 2006, Defra ran a competition to find nine Climate Change Champions aged 10 to 18 from across England The Champions have been busy tackling climate change and will be in office until autumn 2007 The Champions are making a big difference Find out more about what Aazim, Carri, David, Jordan, Lucy, Sarah, Sofia, Stephanie and Zoheb are doing at www.climatechallenge.gov.uk You can see short films and read their blogs and news articles about how they are spreading the word about climate change Photo: Gurschen Glacier, Switzerland The Champions saw first hand the effects of climate change on this Swiss glacier They are pictured here marking the position of the glacier’s lower limit during the year they were born Industry and technology 1821 First electric motor c 1800 Beginning of 04/05industrial revolution 1806 Invention of the internal combustion engine 1882 The Electric Lighting Act allows setting up of supply systems by persons, companies or local authorities 1879 Karl Benz granted a patent for his internal two-stroke gas engine We are the Champions! Aazim Ihsan London Carri Swann East Midlands David Saddington North East Sofia Selska West Midlands Lucy Stansfield South West 1892 Rudolf Diesel develops the Carnot heat engine, a motor burning powdered coal dust Stephanie Lynch North West Jordan Stephens South East 1884 Invention of the steam turbine Sarah Crudgington East of England Zoheb Khalil Yorkshire and The Humber 1896 Svante Arrhenius proposes a link between fossil fuels, carbon dioxide and global warming 1924 Based on 1920 coal use, prediction made that industrial activity will double atmospheric carbon dioxide in 500 years 06/07 Your carboni footprinti Carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions are caused in part as a direct result of our everyday activities The following all result in CO2 being emitted into the atmosphere: • burning fuel to heat our homes • using electricity to power our lights and appliances • using fuel to power our vehicles The total amount of CO2 generated by these activities is normally measured in tonnes On average, each household in the UK directly produces about 10 tonnes of carbon dioxide every year We also contribute CO2 to the atmosphere indirectly through the manufacture, distribution and disposal of the products we consume, including food 1951 Britain’s first commercial computer, the Lyons Electronic Office, is built 1938 UK National Grid becomes 04/05 integrated 1950s Aerospace industry develops 1969 Astronauts first walk on the moon 40% The CO2 produced as a result of the actions of an individual, a household or an organisation is sometimes referred to as a ‘carbon footprint’ of the average household’s carbon footprint comes from personal transport, i.e cars, motorbikes and flights.* Our footprints add up The UK as a whole emitted 554 million tonnes of carbon dioxide in 2005 If we all tread lightly and minimise our footprints, our collective impact on the environment will be significantly reduced In this way, we can all contribute to tackling climate change 60% The CO2 emissions from the home come from: of the average household’s carbon footprint comes from home heating, lighting and appliance use.* 75% water and space heating, and lighting 25% use of appliances * These are approximate values based on the underlying data used in the Act on CO2 calculator, see page 10 1980s Rapid industrial development begins in China – pace set for next 20 years unprecedented in human history 2001 Nearly two-thirds of people in the UK (33 million people) now use the internet 1991 World Wide Web released to the public 08/09 Calculating youriii carbonifootprinti Close your curtains at night It stops heat escaping through your windows You can now work out how big your carbon footprint is by using the Government’s Act On CO2 calculator at www.direct.gov.uk/ActOnCO2 Turn your heating thermostat down by 1ºC It could save you 10% in heating bills Generally, a comfortable living room temperature is around 21ºC, while the bedroom should be comfortable at 16–18ºC The calculator focuses on the three most significant areas where our actions lead directly to CO2 emissions: • household heating, hot water and lighting • appliances and gadgets • personal transport The calculator will ask you for information about each of these areas and will then work out your individual and/or household footprints It also gives you a personalised action plan to help you reduce your carbon footprint, which you can then save and return to later Once you’ve calculated your own carbon dioxide footprint, you can work out ways to reduce it It’s easier than you think Here are some ideas to get you started Geo-political 1950s Dramatic increase in carbon dioxide emissions 1827 Jean Baptiste Fourier proposes the existence of an earthwarming atmospheric effect The term ‘greenhouse effect’ 04/05is first used 1900 World population stands at 1.6 billion Turn gadget Don’t leave g mobile phone and games co when not in u Wash laundry at 30ºC Selecting the 30ºC cycle cuts electricity use by up to 40%, compared with washing clothes at higher temperatures Only fill the kettle with the water you need You waste energy if you boil more water than necessary Buy energy-efficient appliances Look for fridges, freezers and washing machines with the Energy Saving Recommended logo and save money and energy Insulate your loft You can typically save 0.4 tonnes of CO2 a year, and nearly 10% on your heating bill Install Energy Saving Recommended lightbulbs They last between and 15 times longer than traditional bulbs If you can, try alternatives to the car for short journeys Walking, cycling or using public transport will help reduce your carbon footprint adgets off eave gadgets – such as TVs, phone chargers, computers mes consoles – on standby ot in use 1975 World population reaches billion 1957 Start of long-term carbon dioxide monitoring by US scientist David Keeling; year-on-year rise seen 1979 World Climate Conference recognises the importance of climate change 1984 The Alliance of Small Island States (many of whom fear they will disappear as sea levels rise) demand a 20% emissions cut by 2005 10/11 Figuring outi climate changei of young people believe that the world’s climate is changing When you are making a communication plan, one of the first steps is to understand what people think about climate change now Defra has been tracking public awareness and understanding of climate change To find out more, go to www.climatechallenge.gov.uk and look at ‘What people think?’ in the ‘Communicate climate change’ section of adults think that the Government can influence climate change Here are some of the latest statistics: of adults said that they are already taking some action Almost of young people study climate change at school, and of young people feel that they should spend more time learning about it of adults think that climate change is caused by human behaviour 1987 Discovery of link between atmospheric carbon dioxide levels and temperature, going back more than 100,000 years 1985 First major international conference on the greenhouse effect is 04/05 Austria held in 1990 IPCC’s first report states that the average world temperature has increased by 0.5°C since the beginning of the 20th century 1988 Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) is set up by the World Meteorological Organization of adults have heard of climate change young people say that they could use less energy at home of adults think that recent warmer weather is part of climate change Just of adults say that they could help by driving less or not driving at all thought so in March 2006 of adults and of young people think that they can personally have a big influence on climate change of young people think that the world is affected by climate change; a third think that it will become affected in the next two decades Source: Adult research conducted by ICM for Defra among a representative sample of approximately 3,100 adults in the UK Four waves were conducted six-monthly from March 2005 All figures are taken from the March 2007 research unless otherwise stated Research on young people conducted by LVQ among a representative sample of approximately 750 11–17-year-olds in England in May 2006 1997 Kyoto Protocol agrees to binding cuts in emissions for industrialised nations to be met between 2008 and 2012 1990 World population reaches 5.26 billion 1992 Climate Change Convention signed in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, by 154 nations, sets initial emissions reduction targets 12/13 Communicatingi climate changei Let’s talk about it To encourage people to make a difference you need to get the message out Messages Create some simple messages Would they work better in a press release, in a report or on a website? Think about what your audience needs to know and how they might be able to change their actions in simple ways that will help the environment The clearer you can be about what you want them to do, the better Tone of voice If you’re speaking in public, it helps to use one style of language; if you’re writing a press release, it helps to use another You know your audience best – what are they most likely to respond to? Creating a communications plan Consider the following ideas when planning your communications: 1998 Hottest year on record in the hottest decade on record 04/05 Partners If you can link your message to another issue, you might be able to share resources Timing Your message might be effective, but if your email gets delivered when everyone’s too busy with other things, it won’t be read 2003 Temperature in the UK exceeds 37.8°C (100°F) for the first time Over 2,000 deaths that summer are attributed to the hot weather 2003 Third hottest year on record globally Hottest summer for at least 500 years in Europe, where 35,000 deaths are attributed to the heatwave; direct link made with climate change Budget You’ve got a clear idea of how much money you’ve got, and what it will buy There are ways of getting information into newspapers and magazines for free For example, you could use a press release or an article instead of an ad Here are some examples: Ask the audience what they think Did it work for them? Did they understand what you were trying to say? Did it make a difference? All of this information is valuable for your next campaign • New media – websites, email, text messages Choosing the right channel There are thousands of different ways to communicate your message, but it’s important to use those that will be most effective for you • Traditional media – newspapers, radio stations, TV stations, magazines • Events – speeches, conferences, forums • Partnership marketing – promotions, sponsorship, special offers • Internal communications – reports, brochures, newsletters • Direct marketing – direct mail, cold calling 2005 Kyoto Protocol comes into force 2005 G8 Gleneagles Summit; climate change one of two main issues addressed 2005 Hurricane Katrina devastates New Orleans; researchers link record US hurricane season and melting sea ice and Siberian permafrost to climate change 14/15 Do you know whoi you’re talking to?i If you’d like to find out more about what people in the UK think about climate change, to help you understand how to target them, go to the ‘Communicating climate change’ section at www.climatechallenge.gov.uk If you are going to communicate some of the issues surrounding climate change and encourage people to adapt some of their behaviours, you need to find out: • who they are (socio-demographics) • what they (current behaviours) • how they think and feel (their attitudes) By thinking about your audience in this way, you will often find that you have more information about them than you thought It helps you to work out what people will be prepared to do, as well as the most effective messages and communication channels Here are some examples of how different people might feel about being more environmentally friendly: Waste not, want not –i it’s important to live lifei thinking about whati you’re doing and using.i For example, Defra is undertaking research to develop an environmental segmentation model informed by people’s attitudes, values and current environmental behaviours 2007 IPCC confirms that there is a greater than 90% chance that global warming over the last 50 years is due to man 2006 The Stern Review is published It’s the first report of its kind into the economic impact of the climate change The costs of inaction far outweigh the costs of action now 04/05 2006 Al Gore, former US Vice President, wins an Oscar for the film An Inconvenient Truth, which issues a warning about climate change You should everythingi you caniwithin thei constraints of modern living.i I think it’s importantii that I doieverythingi I can to helpi the environment.i I my bit and that’s enough.i I don’t see others doingi much more than me.i I know I should more, but at thei moment I can’t…and I don’t muchi to cause damage anyway I’ll moreii when I have more money or time.i If it saves me money,i then it’siworth doing buti otherwiseiI can’tireallyi much.i To be honest, I don’ti really thinkiaboutii the environment.i 2007 IPCC reports that the planet has warmed 0.74°C since the beginning of the 20th century 2007 For the first time, half of the world’s population lives in cities 2007 Draft Climate Change Bill published by the UK Government 16/17 Other climate changei resourcesi Partly as a result of unpredictable and unseasonal weather, the issue of climate change has become a major focus for public attention Other factors involved in this increased awareness include the following: • Scientific reports have been published, based on the work of some of the world’s top scientists These show that the problem is real and that man is largely responsible • Politicians from all of the UK’s main parties have broadly agreed that climate change poses a serious threat and that action needs to be taken now • Civil society – including NGOs (non-governmental organisations) – have lobbied government and have delivered clear messages to the public in order to address climate change The media has also played a vital role in bringing climate change to the forefront of people’s minds The issue has gained such prominence that newspapers are now running feature articles almost every day – covering the science, economics, geo-politics and the impact on the weather Major TV news reports and documentaries have also been aired, and related programmes (such as home improvement shows) are also focusing on environmental issues Although these media channels provide an excellent range of stories about climate change, it’s the internet that’s providing the most diverse range of messages It’s important to look at a range of sources when conducting your own research, and you should make sure that your information is as up-to-date and reliable as possible Government websites are a good starting point For a general overview of climate change – particularly how to communicate and how to get involved – visit www.climatechallenge.gov.uk 18/19 At www.direct.gov.uk/greenerliving, you can find more practical steps you can take to tackle climate change These fall under: • • • • • • • • • • Greener living: a quick guide Greener home Greener garden Waste and recycling Energy and water saving Greener shopping Greener travel Greener work, school and community Greener food and drink Greener life events 20/21 You can find out more about climate change and what’s being done here in the UK and internationally to tackle the problem at: www.defra.gov.uk/environment/ climatechange More information is available from the Department for Transport at: www.dft.gov.uk/ActOnCO2 Other useful sites include: www.bbc.co.uk/climate www.tyndall.ac.uk www.energysavingtrust.org.uk www.metoffice.gov.uk/research/ hadleycentre www.ipcc.ch Next stepsi Use this checklist as a quick reference guide for your communications and the actions you want to take Plan your communications Decide who you want your communications to target Find out what they currently think about climate change Define what it is you want them to Decide the voice and channel your communications will use Check the timings and budgets you need for your communications Take local action Whether you’re working on communications or just keen to make a difference, try to set an example for others using the advice on pages 10/11 Find out about climate change projects and other activities that are happening near you Know your CO2 Find out what your carbon footprint is at www.direct.gov.uk/ActonCO2 Set yourself a goal to reduce your carbon footprint over the next six months Acknowledgements: Angela Hampton/Ecoscene TopFoto/National Champions’ photos Allan Staley/Alex Beaton The climate change communications initiative is led by Defra in partnership with the Energy Saving Trust, the Carbon Trust, the Department of Trade and Industry, the Environment Agency, the UK Climate Impacts Programme and the Department for Transport This paper is made from 100% post-consumer waste ©Crown Copyright 2007 Issued June 2007 ... out what your carbon footprint is at www.direct.gov.uk/ActonCO2 Set yourself a goal to reduce your carbon footprint over the next six months Acknowledgements: Angela Hampton/Ecoscene TopFoto/National... reference guide for your communications and the actions you want to take Plan your communications Decide who you want your communications to target Find out what they currently think about climate change... permafrost to climate change 14/15 Do you know whoi you’re talking to? i If you’d like to find out more about what people in the UK think about climate change, to help you understand how to target