Climate Dome - Change Tomorrow Today

What are the consequences?

Predictions range from the uncomfortable to the globally cataclysmic. And they affect us here in the North East too. But really it all depends on what we do to limit our impact on the atmosphere and whether we reach the 'tipping point.' It is our choice.

The Global Picture

Rises in temperature are already being felt.

• The ice caps are melting, leading to sea level rises which could flood cities near the coast.
• Glaciers are disappearing, and the rate at which they disappear is speeding up. Hundreds of millions of people in Asia depend on these for their drinking water.
• Weather patterns are changing. In places like Africa where people are very dependent on rainfall to grow crops and fill wells, these changes are causing famine and drought and displacing millions of people.

Life in the North East, but not as we know it

The cost of clearing up after flooding and insurance premiums could be set to rise.

• In the North East, average temperatures will rise by about 2°C, but could get higher if we don't tackle the problem.
• This will mean a likely 50% reduction in snowfall.

It's hard to imagine any area of life that climate change won't affect. These include:

• Transport chaos;
• Agricultural and ecological problems;
• Damage to property;
• Overflowing sewers;
• Loss of tourism and business investment.

Still not convinced?

We're already seeing some of the ecological effects of climate change around us in the North East. These include the early or late arrival of seasons – with the consequent disruption to wildlife, agriculture and our gardens; the arrival and dominance of some non-native insects and an increase in pollen counts.

The start of something serious. The cost of addressing the problem now is a lot less painful than trying to fix it later on. The big question is: are we willing to pay a little now to avoid a huge climate bill in the future?