So many ways we can help save the planet

Feb 23 2010 by Amy Hunt, The Journal

THE Northumberland National Park is working towards a low-carbon future. Read on to find out more.

CLIMATE change is affecting us all in some way or other, both directly and indirectly. You might have suffered as a result of a recent flooding event or even be experiencing higher fuel bills both as a result of the recent cold snap and higher energy prices.

Reducing the impact of human activity on the world’s climate is a national, regional and local priority and key to the work of Northumberland National Park Authority.

The reduction of carbon dioxide emissions is crucial in tackling climate change and reducing the current trend in global warming.

In 2009 the authority launched its Strategic Action Plan for a low-carbon national park in the North East of England, a programme to rapidly accelerate micro-renewable energy production and energy efficiency measures in and around the national park.

This will involve an awareness- raising campaign in association with key partners such as the Energy Saving Trust, Northumberland Warm Zone and the New and Renewable Energy Centre.

The fundamental starting point and most cost effective way to reduce carbon emissions is to save energy and adopt lifestyle changes.

Grants are available for home insulation and draft exclusion work and you may have seen the recent national campaigns asking you to drive five miles less a week or informing you that turning your thermostat down 1C could save 10% off your heating bills.

However, such measures alone will not be enough to meet the Government target of reducing 1990 carbon emission levels by 34% by 2020.

We have to shift our dependence on using fossil fuels (coal and natural gas) to generate electricity and heat our homes and move to invest in renewable energy solutions.

This will involve the take-up of tried and tested technology such as solar panels for heating water or hydro electricity generation schemes as well as piloting a number of relatively new and innovative approaches to renewable energy that include biomass boilers, wind turbines and ground/air source heat pumps.

By investing in this new technology and working in partnership with communities, regional partners and local businesses, new job opportunities will arise in the manufacturing, installation and maintenance of this equipment and the demand for new skills will grow.

Many families will be able to have a better quality of life by reducing the costs associated with fuel bills, costs that exceed 10% of family income in many parts of the National Park.

For more information on how to tackle climate change or to access current grant schemes see the advert for details or contact the Energy Saving Trust on 0800 512012 (www.energysavingtrust.org.uk) or for information on insulating your home call Warm Zone on 01670 356642 (www.warmzones.co.uk).