Climate change & your carbon 'footprint'
Further information
Climate change in the east of England
Carbon dioxide is the greenhouse gas most responsible for causing climate change. It is produced as a result of our day-to-day activities such as heating our homes, using electrical appliances and driving our cars.
The following changes in climate have been predicted for the east of England in the future (by the East of England Sustainable Development Round Table):
- Hotter and drier summers
- Milder and wetter winters
- More extreme climate events
- Increased risk of flooding in some areas
- Rising sea levels, increasing the risk of coastal flooding and erosion.
The magnitude of these changes will vary according to measures that we take now and in the next few years to reduce our emissions of carbon dioxide.
We can measure the current amount of carbon dioxide being emitted into the atmosphere by calculating our carbon footprint. A carbon footprint can be measured for an individual, a household, or an organisation.
How big is South Norfolk Council’s carbon footprint?
40% of all carbon dioxide emissions in the UK are produced by businesses. The government has highlighted the key role that local authorities have in reducing emissions from their own operations and leading by example in their communities.
At South Norfolk Council we are currently working to calculate our own carbon footprint. We own a number of properties throughout the district and use a range of vehicles. These all emit carbon dioxide. As part of our Environment Strategy, we are analysing our energy use across all our services, from our offices and leisure centres to the refuse collection lorries.
Once we have calculated our carbon emissions we will be looking at ways of reducing our impact on the local environment by minimising our energy use.
How big is your household’s carbon footprint?
27% of all carbon dioxide emissions in the UK come from households. The average household in the UK produces 10.22 tonnes of carbon dioxide in a year.
You can estimate how much carbon dioxide your own household produces by calculating your carbon footprint. The Government’s Department for the Environment, Farming and Rural Affairs (DEFRA) has produced a carbon calculator that calculates your carbon footprint based on information that you enter on your household’s fuel use, use of household appliances and your travel habits.
You can then compare your footprint with other households and obtain a personal action plan that gives ideas on how you can reduce your energy use and save money.
Related pages on this website
External links
BBC climate change
Climate change website from the BBC Weather Centre, with details of the evidence, impacts, how we will all need to adapt, links and chat.
Contact us
| contact officer/team: | Environmental Assistant |
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| web: | online enquiry form |
| email: | envserv@s-norfolk.gov.uk |
| freephone: | 0808 168 4444 |
| telephone: | 01508 533726 |
| minicom/textphone: | 01508 533622 |
| address: | South Norfolk Council South Norfolk House Swan Lane Long Stratton Norwich NR15 2XE |
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