BUCKINGHAMSHIRE ’ S CHANGEABLE WEATHER
We are forecast a cold winter , despite the world warming up , which is confusing for some people . So why is this ?
Pollution in the atmosphere ( greenhouse gases such as carbon , CO2s , soot etc ) is the central problem because of its effects on the world ’ s natural systems . Man made pollution really began at the onset of the industrial revolution , 250 years ago when factories began belching out their waste products from fossil fuels . This and its effect on rising temperatures are now scientifically gauged with greater precision than ever before .
Very simply , global warming is the process of having increased average temperatures around the world which results in climate change or unpredictable meteorological systems . Now that the globe is on average 1.2 % warmer than in 1750 , everyone is experiencing their own local climate changes and unexpected weather patterns .
Whilst Britain ’ s increased annual temperature is ‘ only ’ 0.6 degrees , this seemingly small increase has a huge impact on the delicately balanced and finely tuned natural world . It is why we are experiencing storms and deluges which we never used to . Last year despite having a nice summer and autumn , we also had tempests and flooding , not just in Buckinghamshire , but also throughout the country .
How we choose to tackle pollution and its effects is down to us as individuals , householders , neighbours and as a nation . Whilst changing our mind-sets and habits could always remain personal and private , an individual ’ s action does count and will one day become more and more scientifically quantifiable .
Andy Mydellton , author and journalist , leads the South Buckinghamshire registered charity , the Foundation for Endangered Species . Being based in South Bucks , they are in a position to advise people in this area about wildlife .
Contact Andy on 01895 520184 email info @ ffes . org . uk www . ffesorg . uk
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As householders and members of our neighbourhoods we can choose how much we separate our rubbish and recycle ; or how we choose to reuse items for a secondary role rather than put everything into landfill , as soon as its original purpose has expired . How and if we pass things on to other people in the community , or to charities is all down to the individual to decide . This ultimately depends on how we choose to make ourselves be the type of person we want to be .
Organisations and conservationists such as the Foundation for Endangered Species have been measuring phenology , which is when the seasons begin , change and end . They do this by monitoring the dates when trees , flowers and shrubs first bloom and later shut down , and when insects are first and last seen . This is because , ultimately , these changes affect most life on Earth , directly or indirectly .
For many people , politicians have been a guilty party by being incapable of making things happen . However they are just beginning to give us greater hope by making some international progress - at last , however late in the day . Recently large areas of the Antarctic have been declared a nature reserve , the USA and China have made a Climate Change pact , and the Paris Agreement with 197 countries has now come into force .
Let ’ s celebrate our progress in the New Year and pray for even greater progress .
The flooded Millstream Fork wildlife garden River Wye at The Rye , High Wycombe