Tag: environment

Heating Up

As temperatures break records all over the globe, I thought it must be time to write a climate change poem. The News is full of stories about wildfires and extreme heat. Therefore I think this drastic heatwave should be bringing global warming to the front of our minds.

Did you notice how recently

It’s been getting rather warm?

The sun is really scorching,

The hottest kind of storm.

Greece is overheating,

Spain is drying out.

Water shortages are booming,

We are headed for a drought.

Forest fires destroying,

Everything we’ve ever built,

Even Switzerland is losing trees,

Do we feel a little guilt?

Does anyone take responsibility

For the hottest week to date?

With Death Valley reaching 55,

Is this heatwave merely fate?

We all know global warming

Sends temperatures sky high,.

So why do many people

Still climate change deny?

My Thoughts

I hope that my poem made you think about climate change. We are all well aware of the devastation caused by rising temperatures but what are our governments actually doing about it? Are there ways we can spur them along?

Thank you for taking the time to read my climate change poem.

Are You Ready For Hot Weather?

This week they have announced that mid-July is likely to see several days of hot weather with temperatures over 40 degrees C in the UK. This is a startling piece of news which illustrates the massive impact that global warming is having on our climate. It is time for us to get ourselves ready for hot weather by planning to take reasonable precautions.

While it may be nice weather for BBQs, even they produce pollution.

In June, which has been a record breaking month, daily temperatures were about five degrees higher than previous years. Various weather experts have commented on a distinct raise in average June temperatures. ITV Weather reminded us that average June temperatures in 1940 were 14.9 degrees C. Quite a big change over the last 80 years is clearly linked to rising levels of pollution.

Be Prepared

We all have to think about ways to prepare for any forthcoming heatwave. Relatives may struggle, especially the elderly. Animals may also find it tricky to handle such extremely high temperatures. There are many things we can do to get ready for the 40 degree days though.

– We can avoid long journeys, working from home if possible.

– Ensure we have plenty of chilled drinks ready so that we can avoid dehydration,

– Wear sunscreen and cover our heads with hats or ensure we have sunshades.

– Stay out of the sun and only go out before midday and after 3pm if possible. Any time spent in direct sunlight should be kept to less than twenty minutes at a time.

Moving On…

The real headache is planning for the future. We know that temperatures will continue to increase and this curve will only be broken if we take dramatic action to reduce pollution.

Surely, with so many negative things happening, governments have received a wake up call. Huge wildfires in Canada and Australia, melting ice at the Poles, crop shortages and flooding in central Europe and Pakistan… The list goes on and on.

Final Thoughts

I really hope that we can start to take helpful steps in reducing global emissions and undoing the damage that we have done. Hopefully you are ready for hot weather. But is the world ready for a blisteringly hot future?

Have a look at my Hot Weather Poem for more on this matter. Please consider following my blog for similar future posts.

Why Greener Spaces Matter

This month the Climate Change Collective are discussing the need for green space in urban areas and its increasing erosion. The lead post by Krista at A Sustainably Simple Life, talks about personal experiences of climate change. It suggests ways that urban areas can improve their impact on the environment.

Check out this brilliant, informative post for yourself:

Climate Change Collective: How green spaces help our planet

Merging Towns

In my local area, it is clear that there is a demand to build more homes. A small estate that was built in 2005 has now blossomed into a massive development which is as big as a town. Previously green spaces have been replaced by roads, houses and retail outlets.

My childhood town used to have a gap between itself and neighbouring villages but now has extended across its green belt. Not only has it joined up to the next village but that village has now connected to the next town. Where I used to drive through pockets of countryside, I now just see houses all the way.

Is This The Way Forward?

We have to consider future planning for homes and the impact it has on the countryside. Towns are concrete jungles which absorb sunlight and increase run-off during storms. Flooding will become more of a problem as we build estates and remove woodlands and plants. Surely there are ways we can involve and integrate plants in our developments, by creating planted roofs, planting more trees and leaving lots of green space between streets.

Check out the interesting and relevant article by Krista and Alison and be sure to drop a comment. What are your thoughts on greener areas in towns and cities? Do you think there is more to be done to stop urban sprawl?

The Climate Change Collective is a group of enthusiastic bloggers who discuss climate change and make suggestions for being more ecofriendly. If you would like to join us please drop me a message and I will pass on your details.