Climate Change
There is nothing quite like the subject of Climate Change to generate debate and a lot of hot air... However, significant scientific evidence supports the conclusion that observed changes in the global climate are, in large part, due to human activities.
The Earth retains its temperature thanks to “greenhouse” gases in the upper atmosphere, which trap some of the sun's heat. Without this greenhouse effect, the average global temperature would be more than 30°C colder than it is now. As human activity increases, greenhouse gases (mainly carbon dioxide, methane and nitrous oxide) are building up and trapping more heat. The heating up process is called global warming, and the overall effect is known as climate change.
The global impacts include sea level rise, more extreme weather conditions and the spread of diseases like malaria and dengue fever. Many species of plants and animals can't adapt to the rapid pace of warming and face extinction. Many people, cities and livelihoods are also threatened.
We need to adapt to the effects of climate change and assist vulnerable communities to cope with more extreme droughts, floods and weather events. We can do this through new technologies, and by helping people organise themselves to find solutions.
Your urgent support is needed
UN Climate Change Conference in Copenhagen
The Copenhagen Climate Deal is essential for finding the way out of trouble. This Treaty can help to lead our world towards a clean energy economy, offering massive new economic opportunities while drastically reducing emissions.
One Climate
In New Zealand, a growing number of community groups and businesses are taking action on climate change. We are acting in our own areas of influence, but we share a common purpose: we are protecting the one climate that we share. We are achieving change across communities and organisations by co-operating together
. (take part).
Boost your home's warmth with a government grant!
Insulation is a great way of making your home cosier and easier to heat. Over the next four years, many homeowners can get assistance to make their homes warmer, drier and healthier, through the government's new $323 million insulation and heating programme.
Check out the information below to learn more about the Warm Up New Zealand: Heat Smart funding, provided by the Energy Efficiency and Conservation Authority's ENERGYWISETM programme.
The only planet guide to climate friendly living
The first step to doing your bit for the climate is to change your mind. There's no single solution or magic bullet, but there is a whole range of easy, creative and innovative ways you can help. Basically, we all need to reduce our emissions. Every small step helps.
Useful Links
General
Energy Consumption
