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What is Climate Change?
Climate change refers to the phenomenon that is causing
the earth to become warmer. This means that our climate
and our weather systems are changing leading to more
frequent extreme weather events. Today, the earth is
warmer than it has been in two thousand years.
Most scientists now agree that humans are largely
responsible for climate change. Most of the energy we use
to heat our homes, for electricity and transport comes from
fossil fuels such as oil, gas and coal. When fossil fuels are
burned, they release carbon dioxide which has been
trapped in the earth for thousands of years. Greenhouse
gases cause the earth to heat up by trapping the sun’s heat
in the earth’s atmosphere – acting like a greenhouse.
Climate change will cause a number of problems in Ireland
including:
- Summer droughts, resulting in irrigation problems and
competition for water - Wetter winters leading to soil damage
- More coastal erosion and flooding
- Change in farming practices and crops grown in
Ireland - Change in fish stock
- New pests and diseases
What can we do to reduce energy use and combat climate change?
Every small action we do to be more energy efficient can have a
significant impact in combating climate change. There are many
ways that we can be more sustainable in how we use energy in our
homes. Using less energy will not only help to combat climate
change, but you will also save money and make your home more
comfortable.
Top ten tips:
- Turn your TV off rather than leave it on stand-by –
equipment on stand-by uses up to 20% of the energy it would
use when fully on - Walk or cycle instead of driving short journeys – it costs
nothing and is good for you - Turn your heating down – reducing your thermostat by 1
degree 3. Celsius will take 10% off your heating bill - Buy ‘A’ rated kitchen appliances – they cost less to run and
over time will give you considerable savings on your electricity
bill - Use energy efficient light bulbs (CFLs) instead of traditional
bulbs – they use 20% energy and last up to 10 times as long - Insulate your attic – attic insulation will keep the heat in your
home for longer and pay for itself in 2-3 years - Fit a lagging jacket – lagging your hot water cylinder will keep
the water hotter for longer and pay for itself in 2-3 months - Don’t overfill your kettle – only boil as much water as you
need - Fit thermostatic radiator valves (TRVs) to your radiators –
TRV’s allow you to reduce the temperature of your rooms
individually - Support renewable energy initiatives in your community – a
little help goes a long way
Energy efficiency fact sheets:
Download the energy efficiency fact sheets for more information on
how to use energy efficiently.
Sheet No 1 Low Cost Tips
Sheet No 2 Thermal Insulation
Sheet No 3 Heating & Hot Water
Sheet No 4 Energy Label fact
Sheet No 5 Low Energy Lighting
Sheet No 6 Water Conservation
Sheet No 7 Cooking Appliances
Sheet No 8 Driving Tips
For more detailed information, go to Reference Guides
If you require Adobe Acrobat Reader > CLICK HERE
Carlow County Council, Athy Road, Carlow. Phone: 059-9170300, www.carlowcoco.ie
Kilkenny County Council, John Street, Kilkenny, Phone: 056 7794000, www.kilkennycoco.ie
