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Even if we stabilised our emissions today we would still see some level of climate change. However, we can slow climate change, but to do this we'd need to reduce our emissions by 60%. Our emissions come from our use of energy at home at work and for travel.

The Chart below shows estimates of where CO2 emissions in the UK have come from. The slight reduction in the last 40 years is due to an increasing number of goods being produced abroad, then bought into the UK. ‘Oil’ in this graph includes the petrol and diesel used in cars.

Data based on long-term trends collated by G.Marland and R.J. Andres of ORNL

We can make a difference by:

• using less energy for heating, lighting, travel and electrical power
• using energy more efficiently
• using renewable energy
• using our fossil fuels more cleanly

The East Midlands is supporting this approach through its Energy Strategy.

Did you know?

In the UK, buildings account for approximately 50% of our total annual CO 2 emissions. These emissions are produced during their construction, operation and demolition

A monitor uses more than 60% of a PCs total electricity

It is not cheaper to leave fluorescent lights on than to switch them off if they are not needed for more than 15 minutes.

The 20th century's 10 warmest years have all occurred since 1984.

The global sea level has risen between 10 and 20 centimetres over the past century.

If every household in the UK installed a Solar PV system on their roof, we would produce more electricity than we needed as a nation?

If everyone in the UK who could, installed a high efficiency boiler, we would save enough money to pay the entire annual fuel and power bills of over 2 million households?

Currently cars are used for 18% of trips under 1 mile and for 62% of trips of between 1 and 2 miles. 38% of car trips are taken by one person alone, and 34% are shared by two people. 

The UK has, in the form of wind power, the largest renewable energy resource in Europe

One 600kW wind turbine at a reasonable site would produce enough electricity to meet the annual needs of 375 households.

Questions to ask - click on the links below to find out more.

• What evidence is there that climate change is occurring?
• Why is the climate changing?
• What changes are likely to occur and what can we do to prepare?