Climate change

Climate change - an issue close to home

Since the industrial revolution, global temperatures have increased by 1°C. Caused by the release of greenhouse gases into the atmosphere, human activity has led to dramatic changes to our natural climate. For the UK, climate change means we will experience wetter winters, hotter and drier summers, and more extreme weather events.

But what does that mean for Wyre? Our Climate Change & Environmental Projects Officer explains...

In Wyre, we are at particular risk of flooding and sea level rise, alongside droughts and extreme heatwaves.

Ecological emergency

The changing climate also spells trouble for our local biodiversity. As spring and summer occur earlier each year, plants and animals are increasingly out of sync with one another. Combined with loss of habitat, competition from invasive species, pollution and extreme weather events, 15% of British species are now at risk of extinction.

What are we doing?

Our busy coast and countryside team work closely with our partners to sustainably manage the important habitats and landscapes across Wyre. Some of our key projects include natural flood management at our parks and open spaces, natural coastline management for biodiversity and flood protection, working with farmers in rural Wyre and the Forest of Bowland to deliver climate change mitigation and assisting parish councils in multiple tree planting projects.

Do you own land?

Farmers and land managers have a real opportunity to make a difference to the climate and ecological emergency, by managing land from a climate change perspective. Making space for water, sustainable hedgerow management, tree planting, creating field margins and areas of scrub, are some of the many ways you can help enhance your land for wildlife. If you would like any advice or help with an upcoming project, email our ranger team at countrysideservice@wyre.gov.uk.

Get involved

If you are passionate about wildlife and want to make a difference in your locality, you can join our conservation days. These are an opportunity to get outside, meet new friends and help look after our important habitats. Check page 51 to find out more, or go online at www.wyre.gov.uk/events

Small changes make a big impact!

Try our top tips to help reduce your personal carbon footprint.

Reduce the amount of meat and dairy you eat.

Animal agriculture accounts for roughly 15% of global emissions, with beef and lamb accounting for the largest footprint. Cutting down on meat and trying more vegetarian meals is not only kinder to the planet, but can also be a healthier option.

Increase the energy efficiency of your home.

Insulating your loft, water pipes and your boiler can save carbon, money on your bills and make your home warmer and a healthier place to live. Switching to a renewable energy provider, installing your own solar panels or heat pumps and fitting a smart meter to keep track of your energy usage can also lead to big energy savings.

Holiday closer to home.

Flying accounts for a significant percentage of an individual’s carbon footprint, so cutting down on international flights makes a massive difference on emissions. Holidaying closer to home also saves money and supports the local economy. Altogether, driving less, using public transport, walking and cycling where possible can save money, increase your fitness and improve local air quality.

Talk about it!

Talking to friends and family about climate change, and your efforts to reduce your carbon footprint, helps to spread the word and encourage more people to take action. It may seem like a daunting task, but if we all made these changes to our lifestyles, together we can make a big impact.

Further information about climate change, what the council is doing, and advice on actions you can take to help, are all available at www.wyre.gov.uk/climatechange