Climate change

Climate change is happening and together in Kirklees we have the power to do something about it.

What is climate change?

The term climate change refers to changes in the world’s atmosphere. It includes a rise in average global temperature and changes in rainfall, and other weather patterns.

What is the greenhouse effect?

Greenhouse gasses act like a blanket around our planet which traps in heat, making the temperature rise. This is called the greenhouse effect and is a natural process that keeps the planet warm and sustains life. If the greenhouse effect didn’t exist, the average temperature on earth would be around -18ºC.

So what’s the problem?

The increasing amounts of greenhouse gasses released into the atmosphere due to human activities such as burning fossil fuels and cutting down forests is trapping more heat so making the planet warmer than it should be.

There are six greenhouse gases and it is thought that carbon dioxide (CO₂) is the most important greenhouse gas. 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.

That’s why it’s up to us all to do something about it. Climate change affects all of us - we can all be part of the solution.

Diagram 1 - The natural greenhouse effect.

Solar radiation comes through the atmosphere and warms the earth. The sun’s radiation is reflected back into and through the atmosphere. Greenhouse gasses, such as CO₂, in the atmosphere trap heat keeping the earth warm.

Diagram 2 - Global warming.

Due to human activities, larger concentrations of greenhouse gases are trapping more heat and raising the earth's surface temperature.

This is causing our climate to change.

The effects of climate change

In the UK, we expect that because of climate change:

• Temperatures will increase.
• Winter rainfall will get heavier, increasing the risk of flooding.
  
  
  
  
• Summer rainfall may reduce considerably, creating pressure on water resources.
  
  
  
  
• Sea levels will rise due to melting ice caps, leading to further coastal erosion and flood risk.
  
  

Kirklees Council wants to give residents as much information as possible about climate change, and let you know how we can work together to try to limit our impacts on the environment.

For further information, please contact:
Kirklees Council
Environment Unit
23 Estate Buildings
Railway Street
Huddersfield
HD1 1JY
Telephone: 01484 223568
email: environment.unit@kirklees.gov.uk