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Less carbon emissions

In August 2021, the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) issued their 6th report. Some of the key findings were:

  • Global surface temperature was 1.09C higher in the decade between 2011-2020 than between 1850-1900.
  • The recent rate of sea level rise has nearly tripled compared with 1901-1971.
  • Human activity is “unequivocally” to blame for global warming and some changes, such as sea-level rises, are irreversible.
  • Human influence is “very likely” the main driver of the global retreat of glaciers since the 1990s and the decrease in Arctic sea-ice.
  • It is “virtually certain” that hot extremes including heatwaves have become more frequent and more intense since the 1950s, while cold events have become less frequent and less severe.
  • The past five years have been the hottest on record since 1850.

However, there is still an opportunity for us all to prevent even more severe impacts, by cutting emissions of carbon dioxide and other greenhouse gases (typically measured as carbon dioxide equivalent emissions). On 17th July 2019, Salford City Council declared a climate emergency and gave its support to become net zero carbon by 2038 in line with the wider Greater Manchester 5 year Environment Plan.

As someone living or working in Salford we urge you to support working towards ‘10% LESS carbon emissions’.

But don’t we all love warmer, sunnier days?

Global temperature increasing leads to rising sea-levels, melting ice, and more extremes of weather not just more sunnier days, with associated impacts as illustrated below:

Image courtesy of the MET office (global-infographic-resized.jpg (1637×1221) (metoffice.gov.uk))

The impact of climate change is being reported more and more in the news from extreme weather events to forest fires and flooding around the globe and close to home here in Salford. So, we all benefit from reducing the carbon emissions that are within our control. A healthy planet is a necessity for us all, for the air we breathe, for water and for food supplies which are all essential to our health and wellbeing.

What can you do as a business/organisation?

  • Carbon Literacy Training – increase knowledge within your workforce to drive some real change. For further details please go to Home – The Carbon Literacy Project.
  • Change your search engine to Ecosia – they dedicate 100% of profits to climate action, with at least 80% financing tree planting. Ecosia is powered by renewable energy, producing twice the amount of energy needed to power all searched from solar panels.
  • Company pension fund – ask about where your pension fund invests and encourage more environmentally sustainable investments.
  • Green banking – ask your bank what they are investing in and encourage more environmentally sustainable investments.
  • Calculate your carbon footprint – where does your business create the most carbon emissions and how can you reduce these.
  • Reduce meat consumption – if you have a canteen look at opportunities to reduce meat and increase plant based options. Opt for plant based catering when needed.
  • Energy Saving Options – look out for funding opportunities such as the HSBC Green SME fund. Replace all lights with LED and ensure appropriate levels of insulation. Have an energy survey undertake to identify opportunities to reduce use.
  • Reduce staff commute – ensure you have agile and flexible working policies, where appropriate.
  • Encourage active travel – have a cycle to work scheme, have facilities for staff to shower, have facilities to safely store bikes, carry out personal journey planners, allow staff to claim cycle and public transport mileage.
  • Reduce total waste – are there opportunities to eliminate waste?
  • Recycle more – put in place recycling schemes that are clear and easy to follow.
  • Purchasing – source goods / services from sustainable / fairtrade / local suppliers. For example greener cleaning products, refilled ink cartridges.
  • Engage with local sustainability projects.

What can you do as an individual?

  • Change your search engine to Ecosia – they dedicate 100% of profits to climate action, with at least 80% financing tree planting. Ecosia is powered by renewable energy, producing twice the amount of energy needed to power all searched from solar panels.
  • Investing your pension fund – ask about where your pension fund invests and encourage more environmentally sustainable investments.
  • Green banking – ask your bank what they are investing in and encourage more environmentally sustainable investments.
  • Calculate your carbon footprint – the WWF have a simple to use option – WWF Footprint Calculator.
  • Reduce meat consumption – try meat free days.
  • Energy Saving Options – ensure you are on a green tariff electricity supply, install a smart meter, replace with LED lights, insulate walls and loft.
  • Walk or cycle for journeys less than a mile.
  • Reduce waste – use a refillable water bottle and download the refill app; use reusable lunch boxes; pick your own fruit and veg without the bag, purchase refillable soaps etc.
  • Recycle – follow local recycling schemes.
  • Purchasing – source goods / services from sustainable / fairtrade / local suppliers.
  • Engage with local sustainability projects.

How will we measure progress?

Join us now by pledging to reduce carbon emissions. Make a pledge.