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When it comes to climate change, there are many sceptics. Lots of people don’t believe in climate change because it used to be called “global warming”, but now recent research has shown that climate change isn’t just about the world warming up. In fact, many places are finding that the climate is actually cooling down, which makes summers cooler, wetter and shorter. Whether you live in a place that is experiencing warming or cooling, for many people, there is no denying that the climate is changing.

Lots of people have questions, and wonder if anything can be done to help offset some of the effects that the world is experiencing. Others will say that nothing can be done to stop what’s already happening. Whether you believe in climate change or not, you should know that many experts agree that climate change encompasses many different factors globally.

For instance, droughts that are long lasting are part of climate change. Flooding and extreme rains are considered to be part of climate change. Lower than normal winter temperatures or higher than normal temperatures are considered to be climate change. Large amounts of snow, tornadoes, and hurricanes or typhoons are said to be part of climate change. In other words anything that seems “out of the ordinary” for the weather patterns in your area probably are abnormal.

Doubters will say that the global weather patterns are cyclical and that the Earth is just coming out of another weather stage, such as a mini-ice age. In other words, global weather cycles are long lasting and it can take hundreds of years to experience the full effects. They will tell you that people are putting themselves in the path of weather more and more and thinking they can defy it. They are learning otherwise. Doubters will also mention how the use of the internet is giving people more knowledge than ever and we are finding out more and more about events around the world that we wouldn’t have known about before.

However, believers are worried and you might want to take another look at the full scope of climate change. Believers will tell you that no matter what the environment is trying to tell us something and we need to listen. Recycling and reducing are just a couple of steps. Believers will tell us that we need to be aware of what we are doing to our water supply, what we put into the air and how much we use and discard in order for a cleaner Earth overall.

Now-a-days we hear about Climate Change more often than before. Climate change is a global phenomenon and the term “Climate Change” is indeed a straightforward expression for such a complex subject. In fact, it has more than we can comprehend from this phrase and that is why it is quite essential to go at defining climate change in today’s scenario.

In the present glossary of researchers and scientists, climate modification as a term is no longer in use and effect. The reason behind this is that we have come to realize the effect of the changes we make to our environment will eventually increase the temperature in many parts of the world, but at the same time will also be decrease in temperature for few parts of the planet. This however, creates a general imbalance in the climate of the world which in turn leads us to the phrase, “Climate Change.”

While wondering the effects of this phenomenon, the things you know of as climate modification is actually referred to as global a global phenomenon of climate change. However, with all the details and statistics we have in hand at present, we can definitely conclude that the world is unquestionably warming with the temperatures rising like never before.

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This is a global problem with many natural disasters started taking shape; the general awareness of this factor is really low. For the better understanding of the issues associated with this phenomenon, we require a simple definition in relation to the warming of the planet. And this definition needs to be the one that brings us the essence of this problem without compromising the simplicities.

However, the easiest and most precise definition is that it is the effect greenhouse gases have on the earth’s overall climate. Greenhouse gases include carbon dioxide and methane, but are not limited to these two.

While learning more about this issue, we need to understand few important facts associated with it. The first fact is that it is both a natural phenomena and one catalyzed by us. For instance, greenhouse gases are a natural part of the biosphere and would exist if man did not. In fact, these gases are a vital component to the existence of life on this planet.

It is due to the existence of the greenhouse gases, the temperature on planet earth does not average zero degrees! These naturally occurring gases help to keep the temperature at a desirable 59 degrees. But, the climate change, which is due to the greenhouse gases, is not indeed natural. In fact, the problem we are facing is the amount of greenhouse gases in the atmosphere.

These gases act as thermal blankets for the atmosphere. The more gas in the atmosphere, the thicker the blanket and the less heat escapes from earth. In the last 80years, we have been releasing these gases into our atmosphere and thus helping them to form a blanket.

On the other hand, we are reducing forests around the planet, which are the natural plant collection that absorb greenhouse gases. This double whammy is starting to show negative results, the increased heating of our world, and thus the beginning of the dreaded climate change.

The ecosystem of the Barents Sea is at the border between warm Atlantic and cold Arctic waters, i.e. in the area of interaction of two oceanic systems. Such a geographical location of sea is extensively determined by the climatic peculiarities of the basin, the area of the ice coverage and its boundaries, as well as the presence extended frontal zones. To opinion of some scientists (Knipovich, 1938; Zenkevich, 1963 et al.), just because of the interaction of Arctic and boreal waters the Barents Sea ecosystem has a high level of biological productivity and is rich in commercial bioresources (about 5 % of the whole world yield of the sea and oceanic fishes).

The last decade is in general characterized by the stable increase of the air temperature over the area of the Barents Sea and adjacent seas. The similar processes were observed in the hydrosphere that is proved by the anomaly high water temperatures of the Barents Sea registered in the Kola section in 2000-2006. The global warming up in the system “ocean-atmosphere” caused the decrease of the ice cover area in the sea.

However, the similar climatic situation has been registered before. The previous period of warming up of the Arctic was observed since the end of the XIXth century to the 1960′s and affected the most of areas of the North Atlantic from the shores of Greenland to the Kara Sea. This process entailed the penetration into the Arctic waters of many heat-loving species not observed there before, as well as escapement of the typical inhabitants of the cold seas, changing of qualitative and quantitative composition of complexes, and shift of fishing grounds into the northern and eastern direction (Zenkevich, 1963). Nearby the western coast of the Spitsbergen archipelago the activation of the fishing for cod and haddock was observed; off the Novaya Zemlya shores the herring, mackerel, haddock and saithe species began to appear. The suppositions have arisen on the possible spawning of cod and saithe off the Novaya Zemlya coast. The species observed in the White Sea were haddock, saithe and red-fishes, whereas in the Kara Sea – Atlantic herring and cod (Zenkevich, 1963).

It should be mentioned that the duration of the present warm period is less than the previous one, and the values of the climate index in the early of the XXIst are lower than its extreme values in 1930-1950. Long-term predictions carried out by PINRO do not give the basis to speak on the retention of a tendency to warming up in the nearest future. Nevertheless, even today there is a unique possibility to explore the happening changes in the Barents Sea ecosystem and in the adjacent areas and to prepare the probable scenarios of the climatic changes influence on the fishery.

The present-day changes of climate have already an impact on the biological resources of the Barents Sea and adjacent areas. The most noticeable changes take place in the geographical re-distribution of the fishing objects over the sea and in revealing of new fish species traditionally dwelling in warm Atlantic waters (Rusyaev and Shatsky, 2001; Smirnov et al., 2000; Pedchenko et al., 2006; Dolgov, 2004; Lepesevich, 1999; Anon., 2004). The acclimatization and widening of the red king crab habitat are more active against the background of the climate warming up.

Increase of the warm waters transference into the Barents Sea and decrease of the Barents Sea ice coverage are the reasons of the growth of the total biological productivity (by our estimates, the increase of production of phytoplankton in the Barents Sea in 2006 could constitute about 20 % of the long-term mean). This is a favourable prerequisite for higher survival of young boreal fishes, increase in the future of their stocks and areas and, finally, for a tendency to increase of the fisheries productivity of the Barents Sea.

The process of the sea warming up can have far-reaching implications not only for heat-loving species.lt is known that <em>Sebastes mentella</em> and Greenland halibut larvae adapted themselves to spend a part of life under sever temperature conditions at high latitudes of the Arctic, where the influence of predators is insufficient, and they have an advantage in survival over typically boreal species because of the low elimination (Anon., 2004). Since the middle of the 1990′s the penetration of blue whiting into the Barents Sea has been registered. This fact, as well as shifting to the north of cod spawning grounds, can change the situation and influence both on the recruitment value of many commercial fish species and the abundance of traditional objects of feeding of the other predators: capelin and polar cod. The recent years investigations of PINRO (Titov et al., 2006) show that the frontal zones of the Barents Sea have a great impact on both the distribution and abundance of commercial fishes. The consequence of changing of cycling of climatic processes in the last decade is the fact that at the background of climate warming up the contracts between the Arctic and Atlantic oceanic systems became weaker, and the frontal zones in the Barents Sea became correspondingly fuzzier. This was fixed with the use of calculated parameters based on observations of PINRO expeditions. In connection with that one can assume that the climate warming up could have a certain negative impact on the abundance of such important commercial species as cod and capelin, the habitats of which are densely connected with frontal zones.

Thus, even now it is necessary to switch the task of studying of implications of the climate change from theory to practice. To our opinion one of the first steps in investigations of implications of the global warming up for the fishing bioresources can be a program of studying of fishing bioresources in the Kara Sea. Stable climatic changes can lead to the reconstruction of ecosystems of the Barents, White and Kara Seas, to changes in migration and distribution of fishing objects or to the appearance in the nearest future of independent self-reproductive population. It is relevant also to explore the dependence and interrelation between components of stocks in the Barents and Kara Seas. The absence of these data can lead to stock underestimation of fishing objects in traditional areas of their distribution, where the standard surveys are carried out.

A diabolical problem and a saving grace.Climate change is a diabolical policy problem. It is harder than any other issue of high importance that has come before our polity in living memory. Climate change presents a new kind of challenge. It is uncertain in its form and extent, rather than drawn in clear lines. It is insidious rather than (as yet) directly confrontational. It is long term rather than immediate, in both its impacts and its remedies. Any effective remedies lie beyond any act of national will, requiring international cooperation of unprecedented dimension and complexity. While an effective response to the challenge would play out over many decades, it must take shape and be put in place over the next few years. Without such action, if the mainstream science is broadly right, the Review’s assessment of likely growth in global greenhouse gas emissions in the absence of effective mitigation tells us that the risks of dangerous climate change, already significant, will soon have risen to dangerously high levels.

Observation of daily debate and media discussion in Australia and elsewhere suggests that this issue might be too hard for rational policy making. It is too complex. The special interests are too numerous, powerful and intense. The time frames within which effects become evident are too long, and the time frames within which action must be effected too short.

But there is a saving grace that may make all the difference. This is an issue in which a high proportion of Australians are deeply interested. A high proportion of Australians say that they are prepared to pay for mitigation in higher goods and services prices. Most of them say that they are prepared to pay even if Australia is acting independently of other countries. There is a much stronger base of support for reform and change on this issue than on any other big question of structural change in recent decades, including trade, tax and public business ownership reform. People in other countries, to varying degrees, seem to share Australians’ interest in and preparedness to take action on global warming.

Public attitudes in Australia and in other countries create the possibility of major reform on emissions reductions, despite the inherent difficulty of the policy problem.

This report aims to nurture the chance that Australia and the world will manage to develop a position that strikes a good balance between the costs of dangerous climate change and the costs of mitigation. It does this by examining approaches to mitigation in one country within a framework which, if followed elsewhere, would add up to a solution. The Review recognises that other approaches may also add up to a solution. If others were also to develop proposals that add up to a solution to the problem that would provide the basis for the type of realistic discussion across the international community that will be essential if a basis is to be found for effective global action.

Not surprisingly, the discussion became a bit heated when Varney brought up those recent e-mails that some folks are declaring are the smoking gun of the climate change debate.

You see, last week it was reported that hundreds of e-mails about climate change were hacked from the Climate Research Unit at East Anglia University. Apparently, those particular e-mails questioned or led to questions regarding global warming.

The jury’s still out on whether or not those e-mails were taken out of context or possibly edited, as well. But either way, it has provided great fodder for those who believe global warming is not real.

Now my question is, if you’re really interested in debating the climate change issue or you want to further investigate those e-mails, why not do it with a scientist instead of a Hollywood celebrity?

Don’t get me wrong. I applaud Begley for all his work on environmental causes and also shining that celebrity light on the benefits of solar, electric cars, and water conservation on his weekly television show Living with Ed. This guy definitely walks the walk! And his efforts should not go unnoticed.

But let’s face it: if I want to research climate change, I’m going to the science community, not Hollywood.

Of course, just to clarify, Fox is not the only news organization to do this. From my local news here in Baltimore to CNN, celebrities put the asses in the seats. And there isn’t a single news source that doesn’t take advantage of that reality.

But I’m not writing this today to attack mainstream media. After all, I’m no Edward R. Murrow. But what I am is an investor who knows that the market is responding to climate change initiatives – regardless of what you, Ed Begley, or Stuart Varney think about it.

Is Global Warming Real?

About once every week or so, I get an e-mail from an investor who wants to know if I think global warming is real. And to be honest, I never really understood that.

My personal opinion on this topic is irrelevant for the purpose of making money. And if you’re looking to investigate whether or not human-induced climate change is real, the last place you should look is the pages of an investment research letter.

However, if your concern is simply the opportunities stemming from climate change – well, these are the pages you can count on.

Because make no mistake about it…

Any kind of climate change legislation, from international treaties to state and local mandates, will only further the integration of renewable energy… and make us even more money going forward.

And don’t think for a second that a handful of conveniently-timed e-mails is going to derail the massive flow of capital heading straight toward new renewable energy projects and smart grid development.

I see this stuff everyday, folks.

I look at all the new deals that are in the pipeline, all the new legislation being drafted, introduced, and debated – on a global scale. I’ve been traveling the globe, checking out new companies and sitting in on multimillion-dollar financing meetings.

The truth is, in all my years analyzing “green” markets, I can honestly say that I’ve never been more excited than I am going into 2010.

The amount of money up for grabs is mind-blowing. And I want to make sure you have every opportunity to get your share.

From new wind and geothermal technologies to utility-scale developments, it’s going to be a very profitable year for us. And I can’t wait to help you take full advantage of every opportunity coming around the bend.

To a new way of life, and a new generation of wealth…

Nitric acid is one of the top chemicals in production around the world. Its primary application is in the manufacture of nitrogen-based fertilizers. It is also used in explosives, metallurgy, dyes, plastics, and pharmaceuticals. Other minor applications include water treatment, fibers and polymers manufacture, liquid-propellant for rockets, printmaking, and nuclear fuel reprocessing.

Human-influenced sources may account for as much as 40% of the total NOx released into the atmosphere. The laughing gas, nitrous oxide (N2O), is approximately accountable to 7% of the greenhouse gases. The concentration of nitrous oxide in the atmosphere has significantly increased from the pre-industrial period as compared in the last two decades.

As a waste by-product of nitric acid production, oxides of nitrogen (NOx) are very harmful to the environment and they can also aggravate the effects of climate change. Emissions from nitric acid manufacturing plants may not be as significant as those of combustion of fossil fuels but a small difference in the levels of nitrogen oxides released into the atmosphere will mean a big difference since they are very harmful greenhouse gases.

Biofuels are also contributors to nitrous oxide. Contrary to popular belief, a report from the International Council for Science (ICSU) concludes that biofuel production can aggravate global warming rather than alleviating its effects. The theory is that annual plants and crops such as corn, wheat and sugar cane take up carbon dioxide during their growth. Hence, fuels burned from them have no significant carbon dioxide emissions to the atmosphere.

The same study also supported an earlier finding which determined that nitrous oxide has a more harmful effect on the environment and the climate change phenomenon than previously believed. The ability of nitrous oxide in warming up the planet is 300 times more than carbon dioxide. It also stays longer in the atmosphere.

Nitrous oxide is a natural occurring gas in the atmosphere as a result of the nitrogen cycle but it is the rate at which its concentration increases and the factors which contribute to this increase that worries scientists and environmentalists. One of the greatest factors which most of them have seen is the anthropogenic sources such as nitric acid manufacturing plants.

Greenhouse effects cannot be ignored anymore. Climate change is upon us. The weather has become even more unpredictable than before. Studies have also identified that the main cause of this phenomenon are unchecked and negligent human practices.

As a result of industrialization, comforts have been afforded to us, such as electricity, transport, and other luxuries we now enjoy. But this comes with a price, the warming up of the planet.

Is this really worth it? Can we really afford the unpredictability of the weather today, the increase in intensity of natural disasters? The world has certainly begun to experience the effects of the accumulation of greenhouse gases in the atmosphere by the higher than normal temperatures, the melting of the polar ice caps and the rising sea levels.

We have to make a move now. A move to reduce our impacts on the environment, this especially goes to those who are in the position to make a significant change in reducing nitric acid production by-products. Owners and managers of plants and companies which use nitric acid must have proper processing and disposal strategies which are environment friendly.

But the responsibility doesn’t stop there. We must do our part as well. We are also stakeholders therefore we have to take responsibility. One thing is for sure though, we have to start today. This is because of the fact that the planet will continue to warm up for no less than 150 years due residence time of carbon dioxide, nitrous oxide and other greenhouse gases in the atmosphere. It will take a long, long time before the climate becomes stable.

HC Environmental Network: “United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change,” 15th Conference of the Parties and the “Kyoto Protocol” 5th Conference of the Parties will be December 7 to 18 in the Danish capital Copenhagen, the conference also known as the Copenhagen United Nations Climate Change General Assembly.

The conference has attracted worldwide attention. Danish Prime Minister Anders Fogh Rasmussen has said that at present there are nearly a hundred world leaders confirmed that they would attend the climate conference.

“Kyoto Protocol” first commitment period expires in 2012. The main task of this meeting is to determine the world’s second commitment period (2012 to 2020) to address climate change arrangement.

“The United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change,” Executive Secretary of the Deboaier recently said, in Copenhagen, can and must reach a new agreement. It should include three aspects: developed countries by 2020 mid-term targets; developing countries according to their ability to take action to address climate change; developed countries to help developing countries adapt to climate change mitigation in the short and long-term financial and technical support. Deboaier said: “We have no time to waste, in order to achieve a clear unified new agreement, countries need to come up with Cooperation And a spirit of compromise. ”

The United Nations Climate Change Conference in the past is usually “the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change,” the parties to the negotiating sessions, professional and technical nature. And the General Assembly to promote the success of Danish Prime Minister Anders Fogh Rasmussen called the meeting of world leaders the last two days participants will be upgraded to the meeting “summit.”

A set of more than 400 “climate Express” After more than 10 hours after stroke, 5, arrived later in Copenhagen, Denmark.

This column equipped with conference delegates, United Nations officials, Environmental protection People and journalists “Climate Express” 5 on the morning of departure from Brussels, Cologne and Hamburg, Germany stops, then go to Denmark, the trip is about 800 km. This train’s electric locomotive traction group by the German railway company. In order to minimize travel the whole greenhouse gas emissions, the company calculated in advance the necessary trip total electricity consumption, and from the provision of clean and renewable Energy The company purchased the appropriate power input of its power supply network.

This reduction by the International Union of Railways trip to the United Nations Environment Programme, the World Natural Foundation co-sponsored by organizations such as the intention of drawing attention to public transportation to the impact of climate and environmental benefits of promotional train.

According to the organizer, even though the train take longer, but it is very environmentally friendly. From Brussels to the Copenhagen process, the carbon dioxide emissions per capita of about 38 kilograms, while sitting Car And air were 116 kg and 172 kg.

11 5, the first trains from the “Kyoto Protocol” Kyoto, Japan, the birthplace exit marked “train to Copenhagen” Activity Began. By the end of November, in the Russian railway sector organizations, and from the Far East Vladivostok to Moscow travel has been completed 10 days before and after the time-consuming, travel more than 9000 km. In addition, Germany, Netherlands and other European countries were also arranged for the train to the Brussels environmental.

The United Nations Climate Change Conference will be held December 7 to 18 in Copenhagen, Denmark. Danish Prime Minister Anders Fogh Rasmussen has said that about 100 heads of state and government leaders confirmed to attend the General Assembly. According to the Assembly organizers, about 5,000 foreign journalists will come to report on meetings and participate in meetings of national experts and NGO representatives will number more than 1.5 million people.

Today, the unwise use of the natural environment due to ignorance, poverty, overpopulation and greed amongst others has led to the degradation of the world, especially African environment. This degradation occur as Africans attempt to adjust their selfish endless wants and desires for food, shelter, recreation, infrastructural facilities, and have led to soil erosion and desertification and that over crowding has led to the spread of shanty towns and urban blight, all of which would worsen if the present population growth continues. The consequence of this environmental mismanagement is Climate Change.

Climate change is certainly no longer alien. Already, its effects are being felt in the world. one of the pronounced effects of climate change is the gradual warming of the atmosphere which could portend doom for the inhabitants of the earth. A warming atmosphere means rise in sea level, which could lead to coaster flooding, and more diseases such as malaria, West Nile disease, dengue fever and river blindness. Climate change is an “unprecedented” threat to food security and this affects the whole world. Droughts are getting worse and climate uncertainty is growing. The world is getting warming (global warming). “Global warming means that that many dry areas are going to get drier and wet areas are going to get wetter. Africa is truly facing the greatest catastrophe in human history. If nothing is done to proffer sustainable solutions to this threat, large part of the continent may be wipe off. Tony Juniper, executive director of Friends of the Earth said that “Climate change is overwhelming the situation in Africa… unless we take genuine steps now to reduce our emissions, people in the developed world will be condemning millions to hunger, starvation and death”.

I’m on a short time research on the effects of climate change in the island area of Lagos, Nigeria…My research so far shows that climate change represents a nightmare scenario for the future of the people of the world. Areas such as Lekki, Victoria Island in Lagos could become submerged. The sea level is rising at an alarming rate, drought and erosion are hitting deep many cities and lives are in serious danger. The consequence of these problems would be dramatic declines in rainfall and a fall in crop yields that could make previous famines look like small tragedies. There are likely to be severe water shortages in many parts of the African continent. We are even seeing the signs of this, as the people are living in great fear even when the words “Climate Change” is a confusing term to them because they lack the proper understand of it.

Despite these diseases such as malaria, West Nile disease, dengue fever and river blindness that were mentioned above, the governments are not even concern about the threat of climate change. Even journalists and media houses are busy promoting political “corruptors” and businesses/organizations that lacks personal or corporate social responsibility rather than educating the common people via public awareness of this devil called “Climate Change”. Anyway, many of African journalists don’t even know what climate change is all about. IT IS TIME FOR CHANGE.

Climate Counts is a non-profit group that was launched over three years ago to help business leaders combat the climate crisis. Despite an abundance of irresponsible enterprises, some businesses are distinguishing themselves through laudable efforts to engage the serious problem of climate change.

Climate Counts brings consumers and companies together in the fight against global climate change. The Climate Counts Company has developed a scorecard with criteria chosen for their effectiveness at solving the global climate crisis. Since 2007, Climate Counts researchers have used these criteria to rate the climate actions of nearly 150 companies, representing approximately 3,000 brands, in 16 industry sectors.

Late this winter, Climate Counts launched its Industry Innovators (i2) project. Climate Counts created i2 to help companies investing in real climate solutions deepen their market impact. The six charter companies (Amtrak, Ben & Jerry’s, Clif Bar, Recreational Equipment, Shaklee, and Timberland) went through the rigorous Climate Counts i2 scoring process. Each of the six charter members earned Climate Counts’ top designation.

The Climate Counts scoring ranks companies on criteria in four key areas: Measurement of climate impact; reduction of climate impact; support for public policy that will reduce greenhouse gas emissions; and external transparency and clarity on climate actions – to spur greater corporate climate responsibility.

Companies interested in getting a Climate Counts company benchmark can use the i2 site go through a process of self-evaluation and follow it by requesting Climate Counts’ own review of the company to determine a final, public score.

The i2 program applies to companies whether they are beginning the process of going green or more deeply involved in the process of developing sustainable practices. Companies looking into a more sustainable approach can use the i2 scoring process to get a roadmap for the work ahead, while others may want a score on their marketing communications efforts for consumers and stakeholders.

One of the charter members is Amtrak and they have adopted a mission that is “Safer, Greener, Healthier.” They have agreed to reduce greenhouse gas emissions from diesel locomotives by 6 percent from 2003 to 2010.

“We believe business has a responsibility — not only to be a part of meaningful climate solutions, but also to communicate their efforts transparently to stakeholders. We’re honored to be among the charter companies for Climate Counts’ Industry Innovators project because we believe it seeks to establish corporate environmental accountability which leads, importantly, to climate action.” said Roy Deitchman, Vice President of EHS, Amtrak.

“The Climate Counts scorecard provides a continuous improvement process and is a useful tool in identifying next steps on the climate action continuum. While we have tracked our climate impacts since 2000, making our emissions data and reductions efforts transparent will continue to help us improve our own performance while also serving to raise awareness about and grow markets for innovative solutions to climate change.” said Jil Zilligen, Chief Sustainability Officer, Shaklee Corporation.

REI is pursuing business-based solutions where financial performance and social/environmental benefits are mutually reinforcing. “We find that when we look at environmental metrics, we identify new opportunities and risks. In many ways we’re just getting started, but we’ve already seen real business benefits. Pursuing our aspiration of being climate neutral is helping us deliver on the expectation of both financial and environmental performance for our co-op members,” said Kevin Hagen, Director of Corporate Social Responsibility, REI.

“True climate solutions that can also boost the economy and our jobs outlook demand innovation and action from businesses, and our charter companies have shown they are committed to making climate action a competitive advantage,” said Climate Counts Executive Director Wood Turner.

The charter members of the i2 project are boldly showing leadership with sustainable positioning that betters their bottom line.

By now you’ve most likely heard a lot about climate change — about how it’s bad for the environment, about how wildlife will suffer. But what about human health — is climate change impacting us in any concrete, tangible way?

The answer to that question, according to researchers at the University of California, is yes. There, a team of scientists at the famed university recently presented evidence on the impacts of climate change on health. They analyzed data from Spain and compared the results with the rest of Europe.

The scientists reviewed a report compiled by the World Health Organization called “Climate, Environment and Health Action Plans and Information Systems.”

They found that the effects of climate change on health include: 1) an increase in the impacts of extreme weather events; 2) an increase of the frequency of respiratory diseases due to changes in air quality and pollen distribution; 3) an increase in the incidence of food-borne, zoonotic (animal diseases that can be transmitted to humans) and waterborne diseases; and 4) a change in the distribution of infectious diseases.

They also recorded that the morbidity and mortality rate in Spain due to heat waves will most likely increase.

Spain is one of the first European countries to have developed a climate change adaptation plan and that’s one of the reasons the scientists decided to focus their analysis on the country. This plan provides a framework for coordination among public institutions on activities to evaluate the impacts of climate change, as well as vulnerability and adaptation to this environmental problem.

For those of us living in Canada or the U.S., the research team suggests that protecting human health can and should begin with policy changes enacted by government. Policy options to reduce the impacts of climate change on health include: 1) integrating health in all policies, strategies and interventions to lessen the impact of, and adapt to, climate change; 2) strengthening health systems and public health systems to improve their ability to prevent, prepare and respond to the impacts of climate change; 3) raising awareness among everyone to promote the co-benefits to health of climate-change reduction strategies; and 4) promoting research, technological development, data sharing and information exchange across business, state and country.

Climate change is a phenomenon that can have a real impact on your health and well-being. Playing a small part to reduce the negative effects of climate change can benefit both the environment and the personal health and safety of you and your family.