We are constantly being reminded of just how much climate change is affecting us, so what is the current situation in the U.K?
Steph Steele of People and Planet at the University of Central Lancashire said: “In terms of environmental factors as an
outcome of climate change in the U.K, we can't really see much difference; the U.K. population seem to be in disarray that climate change is real because we don't see the major consequences that other countries do.”She explained that the weather in the U.K. is so unpredictable and has now become renown for this; “it's always difficult to pin point what days will be sunny and what days will be rainy” no one realises the full reality of climate change.
This is an example of how, despite the fact that the government claim to be combating climate change as an important issue; projects like this one - a new coal-fired power station in Kingsnorth, Kent - are still on their way to being accepted. This project has recently had a lot of campaigning.
Steph Steele described how if the U.K does not reduce its emissions in some way, the effects of climate change will become very visible. She said: “The UK has the power to both prevent further climate change by cutting down or even stopping what it invests in and also has the education, resources and finance [even with a so called 'credit crunch'] to prove that it can be stopped.”
Even though the changes in climate in the U.K. are not fully visible to mankind, animals are sensing the changes more than anything right now.
Butterflies play a key example of animals sensing climate change as they are extremely sensitive to slight changes in the environment and have very specific habitats.
In U.K. wildlife, insects are declining due to various reasons; one of those being climate change because it has both positive and negative consequences on their habitat.
Steph Steele said: “As the climate changes, the temperatures of sea, land and air are rising. Species have to migrate to find a better home and it has consequently affected the life cycle of the animal world.”
Some species; for example certain butterfly species (the Small Tortoiseshell) and moths; are finding it harder to adapt to other climates further a field from their original habitat; leading to a decline in insects.
The constant demand for more oil is also having an effect on the ecosystem. Sea beds in the U.K; even though oil is now running short here; are being dredged up in the process of the extraction of oil meaning that marine life is losing its habitat or dying out.
(the oil extraction process)Steph Steele explained that, despite the fact that oil extraction means platforms can produce micro-habitats, oil extraction may not be such a good idea as animals are harmed in the process.
What can we do to help prevent this from happening?
The nation needs to first and foremost recognise that climate change is happening now. It’s the little tasks that can help go a long way; stop leaving electrical items on standby and recycling are ideal examples.
Steph Steele said: “We need to understand as a whole population that renewable resources i.e. wind turbines, solar panels, hydro-power would not only clean our skies, but clean up the seas and the land too. There is so much to think about, but we need to think less and act more.”
National campaigns have been set up to urge the government to prevent CO2 emissions.
Here are links to important campaigns:
- Campaign Against Climate Change
- People and Planet
- Stop Climate Chaos
- Greenpeace
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