The UK Climate Projections 2018 (UKCP18) looks at a number of future climate change scenarios until 2100. These scenarios look at a number of points including increasing summer temperatures, more extreme weather and rising sea levels. Although it is not possible to give a totally accurate indication about how things will progress and how the climate will change, UKCP18 provides an educated range of possible outcomes. This means that development and testing ahead of any possible change can be looked at well in advance.
These climate change outcomes are based on different rates of greenhouse gas emissions that are being released into the atmosphere, such as PM emissions. We have already spoken at length about PM emissions. PM = Particulate Matter. PM2.5 are the emissions of particular concern, as they are so small they can get into the bloodstream and cause a wide range of life threatening problems.
Currently the high emissions scenarios show:
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- Summer temperatures could increase by 5.4C by the year 2070, with winter temperatures could increase by 4.2C
. - Very hot summers, like we saw with the summer of 2018 could be normal by 2050
. - Sea levels could rise by 1.15m by 2100
. - Average summer rainfall could reduce by 47% by 2070
. - Average winter rainfall could increase by 35% by 2070
It’s not all doom and gloom!
Despite these potential scenarios, there is some encouraging points we should focus on. The UK is leading the world in tackling climate change. There is a 40% reduction in emissions since 1990, which is the leading performance by any G7 nation.
What we can do (and are already doing) to ensure we continue to lead the G7 in terms of emission reduction as a nation:
* Insulate Homes – Low cost measures can result in big savings. Improved double glazing can save up to £90 a year. Cavity wall insulation can save up to £115, loft insulation can save around £100 annually. Turning the thermostat down by 1C could have £50 as year. Do all these and you could save around £350 a year.
* Replacing Lights & Appliances – Switching to LEDs could save up to £50 a year. Also upgrading to the most efficient fridges, freezers and washing machines can save even more. Replacing an old boiler can save over £100 a year.
* Using the car – Ideally….less. Taking the bus or walking is a great alternative, not to mention helping improve your fitness (the walking part).
All these things save you money, while at the same time help reduce emissions.
As a company we have made a positive contribution to helping reduce emissions with the launch of Ecodesign Stoves. Which are a great deal more efficient than an open fire or an old, less efficient stove.
A direct quote taken from the recent 2019 Clean Air Strategy reinforces this:
“Not all forms of domestic burning are equally polluting. The appliance (for example, stove or fireplace), how well it is used and maintained, and what fuels are burnt in it, all make a big difference to how much pollution is produced.
Significant air quality benefits can be realised through a new efficient appliance as compared with an old stove or open fire.”
More about the 2019 Clean Air Strategy can be read here – https://www.charltonandjenrick.co.uk/news/2019/01/the-governments-2019-clean-air-strategy/
