Climate ChangeWhat can we do to reduce our

footprint?

Lavinia Andrei

• Climate is a measure of the average pattern of variation in temperature, humidity, atmospheric pressure, wind, precipitation, atmospheric particle count and other meteorological variables in a given region over long periods of time.

• Changes in climate are natural (due to Volcanoes, Volcanoes, Tectonic plate movement, Changes in the sun)Tectonic plate movement, Changes in the sun): e.g. after the last ice age (11,500 years ago) global temperatures were 5°C lower than now.

• Now we are experiencing temperature rises at unprecedented speed.

• Scientists believe that human activities are responsible for this, due to the releases of the “greenhouse gases” into the releases of the “greenhouse gases” into the atmosphere.the atmosphere.

Climate change

Climate change facts• Extreme weather events – storms, floods, droughts and heat waves – becoming more frequent and more severe;• 90% of natural disasters in Europe since 1980 caused by weather and climate;• Europe’s glaciers have lost two-thirds of their mass since ... 1850 – and the trend is accelerating;• Polar ice is melting and sea levels are rising at double ....the rate of 50 years ago;• Millions of people around the globe threatened with ....water shortages, hunger and poverty.

What’s the cause?

• Humans are pumping more ‘greenhouse gases’ into the atmosphere mainly due to the fossil fuel combustion;

• The atmosphere acts like the glass walls of a greenhouse;

• Natural greenhouse gases help retain heat – without them, temperatures would be 30°C lower

• But man-made greenhouse gases emissions up 70% since 1970, meaning more heat trapped.

What can you do to fight it?

Simple everyday actions play a major role in the fight against climate change:

• Reduce energy consumption• Use more renewable energy• Reduce fuel for transportation• Use a better waste management system• Save water• Use local and green products• Greening your area

Reduce energy consumption (1)

• Lower the temperature of your

heaters by a degree or two;• Use a timer, so the heating is only

on when you need it;• Don’t set the refrigerator to its

coldest setting;• Insulate your house.

Reduce energy consumption (2)

• Use natural light;• Turn off lights when you don’t need them;• Don’t leave appliances on standby;• Use efficient bulbs;• Replace equipments with high energy

consumption (refrigerator, air conditioning etc).

Reduce energy consumption (3)

• Don’t run washing machine or dishwasher half full;• Take a shower instead of a bath;• Boil only the amount of water

you need;• Cover your pots when cooking;• Don’t leave the refrigerator door open;• Don’t open your windows for too long in winter.

Use more renewable energy

• Use solar, geothermal or wind for producing electricity, heating or cooling for your house.

Reduce fuel for transport

• Don’t use the car for short journeys;

• Walk, cycle or use public transport;

• Share car journeys;• Drive efficiently;• Check your tyre pressure;• Take the train instead of the plane.

Use a better waste management system

• Reduce your waste;• Re-use materials and

equipments;• Recycle materials and

equipments (paper, glass, wood, textile etc);

• Produce and use compost;• Use waste as a resource.

Save water

• Insulate the pipes and fix the equipments;• Buy water saving appliances and toilets; • Installing low-flow shower heads.

Use local and green products

• Buy and use local products;

• Use your regional markets;

• Consume ecological products;

• Help and encourage local producers.

Greening your area

• Plant trees;

• Protect the forest;

• Prevent forest fires;

• Green you urban environment.

Acting now!