Climate Change - the danger to North Norfolk

Released 17 April, 2002

The threat of storms, tidal surges, flooding and drought to the quality of life and the economy in North Norfolk is highlighted in a new climate change report, published by North Norfolk District Council and the North Norfolk Environment Forum.

The booklet, to be launched at next week's Environment Forum meeting (Wednesday, 24 April), describes how global warming has already affected the planet, and could have a serious effect on the livelihood of our District.

The report outlines the community approach currently being taken to tackling climate change, and sets out ways in which North Norfolk people can contribute, through choices such as buying energy from suppliers who use renewable sources, or planning car journeys better and sharing car trips with others.

It also details the work being done at a national level, and locally by the District Council and Environment Forum, to combat climate change. Among other things, the booklet will be used in an environmental and arts education project, with climate change as its theme, being proposed for schools in the North Walsham area.

The key to addressing climate change, the report says, is the reduction of energy use (burning fossil fuels for both electricity and vehicle travel is a major source of greenhouse gas emissions) and the generation of power from renewable sources.

Local people can help with simple measures like having good insulation and using low-energy lightbulbs, and ensuring that, if they need, they invest in the most efficient appliances, boilers, etc. - all of which can save a household a significant amount of money in the long run.

The effects of global warming could be catastrophic for North Norfolk, where the popular tourist areas along the coast are already battered and eroded by winter storms and tidal surges. The average sea level could rise by as much as 88cm in the next century, flooding low-lying areas.

Climate modelling and analysis shows a likely increase in the frequency and intensity of storms, more rain in winter and less in summer (with an increase in the intensity of rainfall, when it happens), and hot, dry spells affecting water availability. The booklet also points out that new climate conditions will mean a shift in farming practices, and may alter wildlife habitats.

The report contains a list of useful information sources in print and on the internet, so people can find out more about the science and the practicalities of climate change.

Hetty Selwyn, Environmental Strategy Assistant at NNDC, said: "Climate change will have an effect on all aspects of our lives - in the way we build our homes and where we build them, the crops we grow, the attractiveness of our District to tourists, the water shortages we might face, and even the kind of diseases we could encounter.

"It is a global problem, but one where solutions can be found in our own habits. By remembering to switch off lights, or by turning down the thermostat and putting a jumper on instead, we can save ourselves money and at the same time use less energy. By recycling and reusing waste, we reduce the amount of rubbish going into landfill, which produces methane and again contributes to the greenhouse effect," she said.

"These take a bit of effort at first, but they are sensible things - and if you want to do more, and get involved in community projects or lobbying campaigns, the Climate Change booklet can help direct you."

The report will be available from libraries and Council offices, or by calling Hetty Selwyn on (01263) 516248.

NOTES FOR EDITOR

NNDC has signed three declarations relevant to climate change:

• UK Local Government Declaration on Sustainable Development
  NNDC signed up to this declaration in May 1994. It recognises that society is reaching or exceeding its environmental limits, and that Local Government is an essential partner in working towards sustainable development.
• Declaration of Commitment to Energy Management
  A commitment to responsible energy management, promoting energy efficiency and establishing a corporate structure for energy management.
• Nottingham Declaration on Climate Change
  Signed by NNDC in October 2000, this recognises the effects of climate change and outlines approaches to limiting emissions and adapting to change.