Ian Brewerton Architecture

The issues are well documented and the scientific evidence is convincing to nearly everyone (except George W Bush). Carbon emissions since the start of the Industrial Revolution are affecting climate and in particular raising global average temperatures. This has happened before due to natural causes but the human race was not around to complain. In the 21st century we face the consequences of rising sea levels on an urbanised planet, crop failures from changed weather patterns, and disputes over fuel and water resources. Each of these issues has the potential for catastrophic effect on billions of lives.

Planting trees is not the answer; a further 2.5 degree rise in temperature could tip the balance in forested area so that they become net emitters of carbon, rather than absorbers. We have to accept - at least as a working hypothesis - that large scale lifestyle changes are called for on a short timescale.

Carbon Footprint

The carbon footprint - of an individual, a household, a business or a nation - is a useful guide to the scope of changes needed. The carbon footprint is a measure of the total carbon emission (as CO2 gas) released from all activities. If your carbon footprint applied to everyone on the world would exceed the planet's capacity to absorb carbon, you are part of the problem, and should be thinking about how you could reduce your carbon emissions.

Click on the globe to launch the carbon footprint calculator

Lifestyle and Carbon Footprint

For a good - if challenging - read on the subject, try 'Heat' by George Monbiot
Penguin Books 2007;
ISBN 978-0-141-02662-6

'The best book I know ... broad, balanced and practical'

Sir John Houghton, Former Head of the Met Office

'Scourge of the lying industry ... Monbiot is one of the best-informed people on the planet'

The Scotsman

new page 21 April 2009