Climate Change – There is no doubt that the planet is warming up. Surface temperature measurements taken over the past 200 years show that the 7 hottest years have occurred in the 10 years and early indications are that the year 2009 will be amongst the warmest on record. Land based ice and glacier snow coverage around the world are showing visible signs of rapid decline which in turn leads to rising sea levels in low lying areas. The continual warming trend has also resulted in an unprecedented rise in the frequency and intensity of extreme weather events such as tropical storms, cyclones, floods, droughts and bushfires. The warming has played havoc with nature, resulting in the loss of species. It also impacted the health of humans through the spread of tropical deceases such as dengue fever and malaria, which are now spreading to new areas as temperatures rise.

Who is to blame? The cause of climate change is still fiercely debated however the majority of the scientific community is now of the opinion that climate change is not only real but it has been caused by humans since the dawn of industrialization. The theory is that gasses such carbon dioxide, methane and nitrous oxide are forming a blanket around the atmosphere thus allowing less heat to escape, similar to the impact of a Greenhouse or Glasshouse. Carbon dioxide, a by- product of burning fossil fuels such as coal for our electricity needs, is singled out as the major culprit as it remains in the atmosphere for over 100 years. This theory is supported by the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) who are made up of the top climate experts from around the globe.

Issues for Small Business – However, even if you agree that climate change is a result of human behavior or you have a view that climate change is a factor of nature – it is somewhat irrelevant. The fact is that Climate Change and the adoption of environmentally friendly practices is now a major worldwide issue that has capture the attention of governments, business and consumers. The global financial crisis has taken over as the major concern of most business sectors in the past 18 months however with encouraging signs of economic improvement – the environment will again become the number one issue. This will strengthen as we get closer to the major global summit on climate change, taking place in Copenhagen, later this year. The “green train” is well and truly ready to leave the platform and the decision for your business is whether to board the train now or remain back at the platform, potentially watching your competitors satisfy the rapidly growing band of “green consumers”.

Next Steps – Over the next few articles, I will examine the business reasons for going green; discuss the risks in doing nothing and also the risks of getting it wrong. I will then step through a number of easy strategies you can develop to minimize your carbon footprint that will also help reduce your operating costs and/or increase business revenue.

Tony Innes – http://www.sustainabledirections.com.au

Author: Tony Innes
Article Source: EzineArticles.com
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