Energy

Greenhouse gases such as carbon dioxide (CO2) are released by the burning of fossil fuels such as coal, gas and oil which we use to provide energy for heating and lighting homes, powering appliances and transport.

Our use of fossil fuels are increasing dramatically and consequently so the rate of CO2 emissions are rising.

Global warming is a natural pheonomenon and helps to maintain a relatively warm earth.  The natural gases that maintain this warming are principally Carbon Dioxide and Methane (Green House Gases).  They keep the earth warm by absorbing some of the solar radiation that would otherwise be radiated out to space.  This is called the 'Green House Effect' and keeps the planet at a comfortable, liveable temperature.

Normally the production of these gases, and their absorption by for example vegetation and oceans is in balance but human production of these gases through the burning of fossil fuels e.g. oil, coal and natural gas is rising at an alarmingly rapid rate.  As a consequence the 'Green House Effect' is getting stronger causing the earth to warm up rapidly (Global Warming).

Failure to reduce our production of Green House gases is producing a climate of more extremes.  For example regular water shortages in the summer and more frequent flooding in winter in the south east of England could become the norm.  Globally, large areas of the planet could become uninhabitable as a result of sea level rises, expanding deserts and crop failure.

 

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