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In recent years there has been no other environmental issue of such vital importance as climate change. Scientists, ecologists, business leaders, politicians, and citizens from every walk of life are warning of a global risk which will need everyone�s collaboration to avert.

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The Earth has undergone many climatic changes in the millions of years it has existed. But the change humankind has to confront now may be too fast for us to be able to adapt to. It is human activity which is contributing most to this change; in particular the emission of greenhouse effect gases into the atmosphere, especially carbon dioxide (CO2), emanating from the combustion of fossil fuels and deforestation. These gases accumulate in the atmosphere and don�t allow the planet to perspire, which is to say, it is warmed by the sun�s rays but cannot get rid of the heat gained, just like a greenhouse. Hence the name given to the effect.

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The accumulation of greenhouse effect gases is raising the average temperature of the Earth and, if the current trend is allowed to continue, the temperature is more than likely to keep rising. Some forecasts speak in terms of up to 5 degrees centigrade by the end of the 21st century, which could lead to a rise in sea level, due to the thawing of the icecaps, or changes in climate, rain systems, prevailing winds etc.

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In December 1997 the Kyoto Protocol was signed in Japan. This aimed to reduce the emission of greenhouse effect gases for the years 2008-2012 by 5.2% compared to 1990 emission rates. While there have been other summits on this issue, this was the first time a calendar of specific reductions had been agreed on which would vary from country to country. The European Union would have to reduce emissions by 8%, United States by 7% and Japan by 6%. Other countries like Russia, the Ukraine or New Zealand would have to stabilise emissions by that time. But while industrialised countries need to make a gargantuan effort to achieve this drop in emissions, environmentalists still see the measures as insufficient to solve the problem.

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Regardless of what is achieved from now on, the Treaty signed in R�o de Janeiro (1994) and the Kyoto Protocol are two milestones in the fight against climatic change. The summit held in Marrakech (Morocco) some weeks ago was the, shall we say, technical part of the political agreement reached by ministers in Bonn (Germany) three months ago. This meeting was held to breathe new life into the Hague summit (Holland) which had failed a year ago, leading to the USA (responsible for 25% of greenhouse effect gases) abandoning the Kyoto Protocol, which effectively closed the doors to any agreement. From the very beginning the EU has taken a leading role in the talks which has enabled it to convince other important countries, such as Russia, Japan, Canada , Australia and China, of the need to reach a consensus. And in Marrakech it was finally achieved.

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Although the United States still remains outside the agreement, at least 55 countries are likely to ratify the Kyoto Protocol next year, which is the minimum number required for it come into force. When that happens a real energy revolution will have taken place, which will give a boost to saving and efficiency. Renewable energies and bio-fuels are expected to take on an important role in the compliance with the international treaty, described by many as the most economically and socially relevant of the last ten years.

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What can you do?
In the meantime we can all get down to the task of preventing the climate change. Don�t forget that, according to The Institute for Diversification and Energy Saving (IDAE), energy consumption in the home account for more than a quarter of all the energy consumed in Spain. They also say that for every KWh of electricity we save, 1 kg less of CO2 is sent up into the atmosphere, and that the efficient use of energy is a key factor in the fight against climate change.

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You can cut down the amount of electricity your household appliances use by choosing models with a class A energy label and by using them correctly. Ask yourself if you really need that clothes dryer, which uses more power than a washing machine, or that air conditioning. Use low consumption light bulbs -they use up to 80% less energy- and make the best use you can of natural light. And of course don�t leave lights or appliances on if you aren�t using them.
With regard to heating, remember that every for degree centigrade you lower the temperature by in your home you produce 5% less CO2.

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By avoiding disposable and over-packaged products, and cutting down on, reusing and recycling paper, cardboard, glass, plastics, tetra-briks and aluminium you will indirectly contribute to reducing CO2� emissions, since the production and subsequent treatment of these materials wastes a lot of energy.

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DID YOU KNOW...?
� At the beginning of the Industrial Revolution, at the turn of the 19th century, CO2 levels were 280 parts per million (ppm). Now this figure is up to 380 ppm. �
� The distribution of energy sources to households enables us to know to what degree each particular appliance is responsible for CO2 emissions. It is reckoned that each household emits 50 kg of CO2 by using air conditioning. After that comes dishwashers, with 100 kg; the washing machine with 150; the television, with 175; the cooker, with 225; the fridge, with 300; lighting, with 375; and hot water, with 500 kilograms. But the biggest culprits are of course heating, which is responsible for 700 kg of CO2 per household per year and the car, which pours out a massive 2,650 kg.�

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