So how do we as citizens of UK, indeed let’s just stick with my home village, Colinton, Edinburgh (EH13), make a difference.

OUR HOMES: Efficient insulation (double glazing and loft insulation). Efficient heating (gas or electric). Gardens with plants and trees to encourage birds, bees and other insects. Driveways that allow rain to soak away into the ground. Perhaps rain barrel to water plants in dry weather  

TREES: We have a lot of trees in Colinton and more have been planted in recent years but those cut down in gardens may not been replaced. While this makes only a small contribution, it would help to plant more and as the climate warms, they will grow faster and absorb more carbon. We also need to consider species suited to a warmer climate.

TRAVEL: Edinburgh has an extensive transport infrastructure and buses are the main contributer to this. Trams now carry people from West Edinburgh Park & Ride sites including Edinburgh Airport and an extension is starting soon that will carry passengers to Newhaven.

Cars feature in everyday travel and contribute greatly to pollution as well as Carbon emissions.

Reducing speed is unlikely to have any impact and it is possible cars travelling at well below designed speed could actually increase pollution. A present Edinburgh has a central 20 MPH zone with plans to extend this as well as the potential for additional parking zones. This policy was introduced to reduce the risk to life, especially to children, in person/vehicle collisions. Try taking a bus

Refuse: This is one thing that greatly contributes to a growing concern amongst climate activists. Recycling of waste materials including glass could if it is effectively carried out, make a substantial contribution to global wellbeing, however food safety raises a question about suitable alternative packaging materials.