Message from APD for Environment, Denise Staplehurst

"Some facts:

• The earth has warmed by 0-27 C since pre-industrial times. Eleven of the warmest years in the past 125 years have occurred since 1990 with 2005 being the hottest. There is overwhelming consensus that this is due to emissions of greenhouse gases such as carbon dioxide (CO2) from burning fossil fuels.

• Examination of ice cores shows there is more CO2 in the atmosphere than at any other time in the last 600,000 years. Global emissions of CO2 have tripled between 1960 and 2002.

• Warming in this century is projected between 1.4 and 5-8 C. the impacts of climate change are already visible. Examples include the shrinking Arctic ice caps, receding glaciers world-wide, earlier break up of river and lake ice, increasing intensity and duration of tropical storms, lengthening of mid to high latitude growing seasons and shifts in plant and animal ranges and behaviour.

"As the Arctic, as peat bogs, thaw they release methane gas this is an even more potent greenhouse gas than CO2. This may lead to more abrupt climate change including reductions in ocean currents, such as the Gulf Steam, which warms Europe and change patterns of rainfall, such as the monsoon seasons, which would affect food security for billions of people.
Work in partnership with other organisations – get your voice heard as Soroptimists and publicise your events in the local press/TV/Radio.

"Take Action by doing something yourself and looking at your own Global Footprints and encouraging others to do the same. Go on a visit, find out about this issue and voice your concerns.

"Most importantly share your ideas and let me know what you have done on those PFRF so as an organisation we can have a Global Voice for Women on such a key issue. Remember our Federation President Hilary’s theme ‘Words Whisper, Actions Shout’ – so shout about this and do something wonderful."

Good luck with all your environmental work.
Denise Staplehurst