Climate Change

What is climate change?

Climate change refers to changes in the Earth's average temperature over the long term. The climate governs weather patterns, rainfall, temperature changes and so on, so as the climate changes, so will the environment we live in.

Global warming refers to the increase in the Earth's average temperature over the last 100 years. Since temperature records began, the Earth's temperature has been steadily getting warmer, with the largest increase seen in recent years. Some of the warmest summers have been in the last 20 years, with the UK’s top four warmest years on record (in order) being 2006, 2007, 2003 and 2004.

What causes climate change?

Although the Earth's climate changes naturally over time, there is strong scientific evidence to support that human activity is significantly changing our climate and causing global warming. This is namely through increases in carbon dioxide emissions, from things like transport and industry.

What can I do?

You can reduce your impact on the environment by reducing your carbon footprint. This could be by walking or cycling instead of driving, saving energy in your home or recycling more.

Find out about the Muswell Hill Low Carbon Zone.

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Haringey 40:20

This initiative was inspired by the passion of local residents who convinced Haringey Council to join 'Get Serious about CO2' (external link) and adopt an ambitious target to reduce CO2 emissions in the borough 40% by 2020. Haringey 40:20 will bring together residents, businesses, social enterprises, charities and community groups across Haringey to help to create a better future for everyone living and working in the borough.

In 2009, Haringey was one of the first local authorities to commit to reducing borough wide CO2 emissions by 40%. This pledge is important to us and to show our commitment we have set a target to reduce CO2 emissions from our own buildings 40% by 2015, 5 years ahead of the borough wide target.

We believe that reaching this target is central to creating a fairer, healthier and happier way of life for everyone in Haringey. To find out more please visit the Haringey 40:20 website (external link).

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Greenhouse Gas (GHG) Protocol

All Local Authorities are required by Central Government to publish their carbon emissions data in line with the GHG Protocol Guidance (external link).

It should be noted that reporting parameters are different for the GHG Protocol and the Council’s annual statement, meaning the figures are unlikely to match.

This is because the Council adjusts it’s emissions to take into account weather effects, and the GHG protocol reports on the carbon value of all greenhouse gases, not just CO2.

Haringey Council’s data can be found in The 2020-11 GHG Protocol Report (PDF, 41KB).

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