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Energy
There is now abundant evidence that the Earth’s climate is changing rapidly due to human emissions of greenhouse gases such as carbon dioxide (CO2) and methane. Across the world, the resulting flooding, severe storms, drought, famine, loss of freshwater, and spread of diseases are starting to cause human suffering and ecological havoc which will continue far into the future. Our recent drought and heatwaves have been exacerbated by climate change - this is a local issue as well as a global one. Our generation must act now to reverse the trends and prevent the worst consequences.
But this is a global problem isn't it? What good will it do us to reduce our energy consumption and change to renewable energy sources? As a community we can lead the way to tackling the CO2 emmission problem and reducing our consumption has an immediate effect on our finances - it saves us money!
What can I do as an individual?
1. You can start immediately by signing up for one the the green
electricity companies. These companies invest or buy their electricity
from renewable sources. Visit the Green Party's energy site at Green Energy Works for full details.
2. When you replace your light bulbs make sure you buy low energy ones.
3. Turn you thermostat down a couple of degrees - you will soon not notice the difference.
4. Make sure your home is properly insulated and draft free.
5. Use the car less! Car share, cycle, walk or use public transport.
Cycling and walking are the best forms of transport - as well as
costing very little you get very fit.
6. Turn electrical items off, don't put them on standby.
7. Fill your kettle with only what you need for your cup. This means you get your cuppa much more quickly too!
8. Make sure your water tank is insulated.
9. There are hundreds more simple ways to reduce your energy - please email us with your suggestions.
and if you are feeling really adventurous...
9. Invest in some micro generation. Solar water will drastically reduce you fuel
bills and CO2 emmissions. Grants are available from the government's
Low carbon buildings programme and advice is available from the Energy Saving Trust.
10. Build an eco-house!
Finally, if your thinking that nuclear power is the answer, think
again. The mining and refining of nuclear fuel uses vast amounts of
fossil fuels. The disposal of nuclear waste is setting the planet up
for problems for hundreds of thousands of years. Nuclear reactors are
often built on the shore line like Dungeoness - sea levels are rising!
They are at risk from terroist attacks and they can melt down of their
own accord. Over 500 farms in the UK are still irradiated from
Chernobyl 20 years on and have restrictions on selling their livestock.
Forget nuclear!
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