Writing competition: climate change

Climate change is the single biggest threat we face globally. Here are a few interesting facts, just to get you started.

Greenhouse gas emissions are to blame for creating climate change. Industrialised countries are the biggest emitters of greenhouse gases, with Ireland responsible for over 17 tonnes a year per capita and the US for 24. This is in stark contrast to Sub-Saharan Africa, where this figure stands at less than one tonne.

It should be a priority for all of us is to address the cause of greenhouse gas emissions.

Millions affected

Uncurbed global warming is devastating the lives of millions of people across the globe. Particularly in countries that have the fewest resources. The consequences include floods, tsunamis, drought, storms and above all poverty

Recent reports

In its most recent reports (February and May 2007), the United Nations Inter-governmental Panel on Climate Change confirmed that:

• It is 90% certain that human activities are responsible for rising temperatures
• 11 of the 12 warmest years recorded since 1850 have occurred in the last 12 years
• We could see rises in temperature of anything between at least 1.8 - 4°C by 2100

To ensure that rich countries move towards a low-carbon economy, governments should set an annual carbon budget.

Ensuring Ireland plays its part

Stop Climate Chaos is a coalition of organisations – including Concern – campaigning to ensure Ireland plays its part in preventing climate change. The coalition’s vision is a world where human impact on the global climate has been contained to a level that enables social, environmental and economic justice for all. Go to www.stopclimatechaos.ie for more information.