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Climate Change

Our dependence on energy from fossil fuels and the large-scale clearance of rain forests is raising the levels of carbon dioxide (CO2) and other greenhouse gases in the atmosphere. This is resulting in measurable global warming and changes to our climate.

If we carry on at the same rate of emissions, global temperatures are predicted to rise by 2 to 4°C. Even if we can limit the temperature rise to just 2°C, here in Manchester we can still expect significant impacts such as heat waves, flash floods and droughts.

See what we're doing to reduce our impact, and help communities to adapt >>

Sustainable Development

Adapting is just one part of the picture. We all need to change our behaviours to make our economy and society more sustainable.

 "If everyone in the world consumed natural resources and generated carbon dioxide at the rate we do in the UK, we'd need three planets - not just one to support us. The impacts - not least climate change, deforestation and the loss of numerous species - are already starting to affect us all" - World Wildlife Fund

Calculate how many planets we would need if everyone lived like you >>

Curbing our use of natural resources is becoming a more and more pressing issue as the global population grows. The impacts of increasing resource demand include the loss of fertile land, water shortages and economic growth restriction.

Further information on sustainable development >>

We recognise this need to reduce our environmental impact as well as remaining efficient and demonstrating public value. We are working at all levels to become more sustainable, and promoting this in our work with the communities we serve.

Your Views

As your Fire and Rescue Service we use your views to guide our strategy and our objectives. In the 'Manchester is My Planet' survey, over 2500 of you responded to questions on climate change.

• 90% of respondents expressed their desire to see Greater Manchester take a lead on tackling climate change in the UK.
• The feeling of urgency was very apparent with 93.1% believing action should be taken immediately.

From this and other surveys - (link to strategy page 11) it is clear that you want to see us do more to reduce our carbon footprint and make our organisation more sustainable.

Policy

On an international, national and local level, sustainability is high on the agenda. Bold targets have been set for reductions in greenhouse gas emissions and resource use.

Internationally, the Kyoto Protocol - requires industrialised countries like the UK to achieve an 8% reduction in greenhouse gas emissions by 2012 versus 1990 levels. Similarly our EU commitment requires a 20% reduction by 2020, with 10% of our fuels coming from renewable sources.

Nationally, we have set even more ambitious requirements. The UK's Climate Change Act - sets a mandatory 80% reduction in greenhouse gases by 2050, with 34% achieved before 2022.

You can read more about the national plans to accomplish these goals:

1. The Department of Energy and Change - The UK Low Carbon Transition Plan
2. The Department of Energy and Change - The Renewable Energy Strategy (RES)

Here in Greater Manchester, we can be proud that our region is looking to take a lead in meeting these targets. In 2009, Greater Manchester was designated the UK's first Low Carbon Economic Area for the Built Environment, with the aims of:

• Saving six million tonnes of carbon dioxide emissions
• Creating an additional £650 million for the economy
• Supporting 34,800 jobs

Read more about the Greater Manchester Low Carbon Economic Area

We all have a part to play in reaching these goals, and our continual efforts to improve our sustainability all contribute to the aims of these national and regional plans.

Click here to find out more about why we're taking a lead on climate change >>