Climate change is the long-term alteration of weather patterns and temperatures. While natural processes such as variations in the solar cycle may cause some of these changes, human activities have been the primary drivers of climate change since the 1800s, primarily through the burning of fossil fuels such as coal, oil, and gas.
It is crucial that we all play our part in combating climate change in our daily lives. The following activities can make a significant impact:
Electricity – Turn off lights when they are not in use and switch off electrical appliances at the wall, not just on standby.
Turn down the heat – Lowering your heating thermostat to 20C will reduce carbon dioxide emissions, as gas boilers burn gas when in use. Wearing a jumper is a better alternative to turning up the heat indoors during winter.
Keep out the cold – Draughts should be eliminated, and heat-reflective panels should be fitted behind radiators to enhance efficiency. Doors and windows should be kept shut to keep heat in and cold air out.
Switch to renewable energy – Switching to a green energy supplier for your home’s electricity and gas, using solar heating panels to make hot water, and photovoltaic panels to generate electricity, can significantly reduce reliance on fossil fuels. Greener heating alternatives like air- or ground-source heat pumps can also be used instead of gas boilers.
Your food – Methane, a greenhouse gas, is produced in significant amounts by cows and sheep, which is over 80 times more powerful than carbon dioxide over a 20-year period. Eating less meat, especially beef and lamb, and cutting down on dairy products can make a significant difference to the climate crisis and to the loss of habitats and wildlife around the world.
Travel – When possible, walking or taking public transportation instead of driving a car can reduce carbon emissions. Staying local during holidays and reducing air travel can also have a significant impact on the environment.
The project – BEST Initiatives has partnered with Together for Our Planet (National Lottery Community Fund) in a project called “Youth United Against Climate Change” to educate young people and their families on practical ways to reduce the effects of climate change in their daily activities. Workshops are held on Saturdays and Sundays at 1 pm and 4 pm at BEST Initiatives’ offices in Unit 6, Vance Business Park, Norwood Road, Gateshead, NE11 9NE.
For further inquiries, call 0191 460 78 57/0795 548 36 36 or email info@rebuildinglivesinitiative.org.