Impact Hart aims to inspire local people to make small changes for a greener, more sustainable life
Climate change, sustainability and you
Climate change and global warming are huge concerns across the globe and there is clear evidence that how we use the Earth’s resources is speeding up the global warming affect, but many of us aren’t sure what we can do to make a difference. This can make us feel a little hopeless at times.
But there is good news!
Impact Hart is here to help you find out what is going on in your local area and things that you can do to help have an impact. The best bit is that many of the things you are able to do are quite easy, can actually save you money and make living more comfortable, whilst doing something positive at the same time!
We’re all responsible for learning to live more sustainably. Because the choices we make about what we eat, what we wear, how we travel and how we shop have consequences for the environment.
The actions of one person might seem unimportant. But multiply them by many millions and they add up to a massive global impact, which is driving climate change.
What is climate change?
Climate change is the term used to describe a shift in temperature and weather patterns over a long period of time. The change is measured as a global change, as different parts of the world experience the overall change differently.
Some areas of the world are more likely to experience extreme droughts or fires, where
another area may experience those things on a less dramatic scale or see more flooding.
The overall average world temperature has been increasing dramatically over the past century compared to previous patterns. It is commonly referred to as ‘global warming’. This is a real concern to scientists as these global temperature changes are driving an increase in natural disasters and other weather problems we are beginning to see more of.
Natural disasters from weather, climate and water occur about five times more often
today than 50 years ago as a result of global warming.
Scientists have shown that global warming is directly linked to the release of greenhouse gases into the atmosphere. These cause the warming of the atmosphere, oceans and land, which leads to climate change. The world community is trying to pull together to do what it can to reduce the impact of increased temperatures on communities by slowing down the release of these gases or by removing them from the atmosphere.
What is sustainability?
Sustainability is using the planet’s natural resources to meet our current needs but protecting them enough to meet the needs of future generations. In other words, if we use up all the fuel, food and water without giving the planet a chance to replace them, future generations will not be able to survive.
Health impacts of climate change
Climate change isn’t only bad for our planet; it can negatively affect our physical and mental health too.
- More frequent heatwaves can lead to heat-related illnesses, such as heatstroke and dehydration. Vulnerable people such as individuals who have cardiovascular and respiratory diseases, older adults, pregnant women and small children are more susceptible to the impacts of high temperatures.
- Increased temperatures can increase survival and breeding rates and expand the habitats that are suitable for different species of mosquitoes and ticks, which can spread diseases like Lyme disease and the West Nile virus.
- Food security can be impacted by climate change. This is because frequent and severe droughts disrupt agriculture production; forcing price rises, affordability and availability of food for many people in the UK and across the globe.
- Poor air quality is the largest environmental risk to public health in the UK. Long term exposure can cause cardiovascular and respiratory disease and cancer
Find out more about the impact of climate change on health in this UK Government report.
We can all practise sustainability in our own lives
This website is packed with examples of how people, groups and businesses in Hart are working to make a difference.
Read more about what’s happening locally, and how you can do your bit, in our Home, Lifestyle, Business and case study sections.