Climate Change is described by many world leaders as the single biggest threat to mankind. Global Warming through an increase in greenhouse gas emission, has already started to make significant changes to the environment.
The East Riding of Yorkshire and its neighbours are particularly at risk from climate change, due to its eroding coastline and locality along the Humber estuary.
What the Council are doing
Climate Change Adaptation Strategy
East Riding of Yorkshire council is currently developing a Climate Change adaptation plan, which will draw on the latest predictions of how climate change will affect the area. The greenhouse gasses already in the environment and those that cannot be avoided in the near future will have an effect on our climate. The aim of this plan is to ensure that we are prepared for the impacts this will have on council services and residents. The plan is not yet in place but will be looking at issues such as water stress, flooding, food security and the built environment.
Environmental Management
The council is committed to implementing EMAS in all council services. We annually review our environment policy, compliance with environmental legislation, and our environmental performance to ensure we are continually improving.
EMAS stands for the Eco-Management and Audit Scheme. It is an environmental standard for which participating organisations can seek independent validation. EMAS is a voluntary European Union standard and has been implemented by local authorities, manufacturers and the service industry since the early 1990s.
The Council are currently in the process of implementing EMAS into all its service areas. An EMAS audit was carried out for 50% of the Councils services in the spring of 2009, we are now waiting to see if we can be approved for EMAS certification for those services.
Nature conservation and biodiversity
"It is the responsibility of all of us to look after and care for our wildlife and a plan has been developed to enable us to do so."
Biodiversity is an acronym for biological diversity and encompasses all life on Earth, from the smallest bacteria to the largest blue whale. It is broken down into three main levels:
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The diversity of habitats and ecosystems in which species live
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The diversity of all species, whether they are an animal, plant, bacteria, fungi or microbe
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The genetic diversity within species that has a profound effect on the variety within a species and the ability of a species to adapt and survive
The East Riding of Yorkshire Council and its partners are working together to develop new ways to look after and care for our wildlife
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