You've heard about the green house effect, find out more about it here
How you can help to reduce climate change
When power stations burn fossil fuels such as coal to generate energy, they pump greenhouse gases (like carbon dioxide) into the atmosphere. These gases heat up the earth like a greenhouse - causing climate change.
Did you know that:
- The earth has been warming since the Ice Age at the pace of a snail. But, since World War II, the pace of change has become more like a cheetah!
- The 1990s were the warmest decade on record.
- Thames Estuary levels are rising and may be 25-50cm higher by 2050. This means we might need a new Thanes Barrier to protect London from flooding.
- Climate change could affect our health - experts think that by 2050 there could be an additional 10,000 cases of food poisoning, 3,000 deaths from heatstroke, 5,000 deaths from skin cancer and 2,000 cataracts every year.
To find out more about climate change and what you can do to help reduce emissions visit
www.est.org.uk/myhome/climatechange/explained
campaigns.direct.gov.uk/actonco2/
Saving energy saves money and reduces climate change
The energy used in our homes accounts for around 30% of UK carbon dioxide emissions that contribute to climate change. Wasting energy also wastes money. Check out the link: www.est.org.uk/myhome/efficientproducts to find out how you can save energy now and in the longer term.
You can also get free advice by calling your local Energy Effciency Advice Centre - simply call 0800 512 012 and you will be automatically connected to your nearest branch
Have you thought about renewable 'green' energy?
Renewable energy is energy that comes from sources that are essentially inexhaustable, such as the sun, the wind, moving water and the heat of the earth, or from replaceable fuels such as plants. 
You may have seen solar panels on people's houses or wind turbines in fields. Many of these technologies can be used in London, and grants are now available to make them more affordable. To find out more about renewables and grants follow the link: www.est.org.uk/myhome/generating.
The government's Low Carbon Building Programme also offers grants for micro-generation technologies to householders, businesses, community organisations, schools, the public and not-for-profit sector. Further information can be found here.
Buying green energy from your electricity supplier
Many energy suppliers now offer a green (renewable) energy alternative and signing up is no more difficult than a regular tariff. Please contact your energy suppliers to find out about their 'green' tariffs.
