Learn about climate change, why nature is so important, what the Council is doing, and how you can take action at home and in your community.
Climate change refers to the long-term shifts in average weather patterns. These changes are largely driven by human activities—particularly the burning of fossil fuels such as coal, oil and gas, which releases additional greenhouse gases, including carbon dioxide, methane and nitrous oxide in the atmosphere. These are what are commonly referred to as ‘carbon emissions.’
As temperatures rise, we are experiencing more frequent and intense weather events including heatwaves, droughts, heavy rainfall, flooding and storms - both locally in Amber Valley and across the world.
The changing climate impacts human health, food and water security, the economy by disrupting supply chains, increasing energy costs and damaging infrastructure and it affects ecosystems and threatens wildlife.
Even small increases in global temperatures can trigger irreversible environmental tipping points, such as ice sheet loss and coral reef destruction. Without significant mitigation and adaptation efforts, these changes will continue to escalate.
You can find out more about what the Council is doing and what you can do to help on our The Council’s Impact and Actions page.
Nature and Biodiversity
Biodiversity includes all living things - plants, animals, fungi and microorganisms - and underpins essential "ecosystem services" such as clean air, fresh water, food, medicines and climate regulation, services that are vital to our survival.
Nature is a broader term and includes all biodiversity, and also the non-living elements such as landscapes, ecosystems, and geology.
Nature in England is declining rapidly due to habitat loss and land use change.
You can find out more about how you can help to increase the nature around us on our How You Can Help and Get Involved page.
The relationship between climate change and biodiversity loss is significant. Climate change is a driver of biodiversity loss, as forests, soil and plants playing a crucial role in capturing and storing carbon emissions.
Nature helps to protect us against the impacts of climate change by preventing floods and slowing down flood water and protecting us against heat waves by providing shading and cooling. As nature is removed or damaged, it becomes less capable of protecting us against climate change, and as climate change exacerbates nature loss, it threatens the ability of ecosystems to provide essential services, including food, air and water quality.
Climate change is causing significant disruption to ecosystems and species. Key impacts include:
Spending time in nature offers many benefits for your mental, emotional and physical health, including reduced stress, improved mood and enhanced cognitive function. Incorporating nature into daily life, whether through walks in the park, hiking or spending time in the garden can lead to improvements in health. The benefits are backed by scientific research.
Plants and trees improve air quality through capturing and absorbing pollutants and acting as a barrier and so the more greenery the better! Another reason why it is so important and we need to protect it.
Contact the team directly on 01773 841332 or email climate@ambervalley.gov.uk
