Climate Change NowBBC weatherman Paul Hudson has issued a worrying forecast about the future of Yorkshire and Lincolnshire's weather. On Inside Out Paul states he was once sceptical about climate change but is now convinced he is seeing a real change in the region's weather patterns. "What was once science fiction is now in my opinion a fact. "I have been watching our weather for the last 15 years. "I have seen what the future holds - and it is not looking good," says Paul.
But an opinion poll commissioned by the BBC and carried out by ICM for the programme shows scepticism about climate change among the people of Yorkshire and Lincolnshire. Public apathyIt reveals 22% of people believe human activity isn't responsible for climate change - and 41% say they have no plans to alter their lifestyles and that includes using their cars or flying less. Paul names the region's biggest producers of carbon dioxide - one of the gasses scientists now believe is responsible for accelerating climate change - and meets the residents of the leafy town who are leaving Yorkshire's biggest carbon footprint. "Our climate's changing - and it's changing fast. Carbon emissions from transport, business and our homes are making things a lot, lot worse. "In other word's, we're all responsible," says Paul.
 | | Drax spewed out 21m tonnes of CO2 |
Major polluterInside Out reveals latest figures from the Environment Agency which show that Drax near Selby is by far the region's largest producer of CO2. In 2005 Europe's largest coal fired power station produced more than 21m tonnes of carbon dioxide - that is the equivalent of the annual CO2 produced by 6m cars. According to Paul Hudson, Power generators and heavy industry dominate the Environment Agency figures. Paul says: "Power generators claim they are doing their bit to reduce carbon emissions, a new turbine here and more burning of bio fuels and biomass there. "There is even talk of storing carbon under the North Sea."
 | | Wind farms: The solution? |
Ideal solution"But for me, there's only one way forward and that's more investment in renewable energy. "How about a barrage across the Humber estuary to harness tidal power? "I'm also baffled by the resistance to wind farms in some quarters - in my view there are not enough of them. "The big question we are going to have to grapple with though is whether a nuclear power station or two along the East Coast providing carbon free energy, might well play a part in meeting our future needs. "However, there are still doubts about what we would do with the waste. "The truth is, there are no easy solutions in the battle against climate change."
 | | Genteel Harrogate leads the way |
Harrogate tops towns leaguePaul also heads for Harrogate - one of the North's wealthiest towns - where the residents are leaving a heavy carbon footprint. On average, each resident's lifestyle means they emit just over 12 tonnes of CO2. It's higher than the national average - and more than residents living in Leeds, Sheffield or Hull. Higher incomes, larger houses, bigger cars and more disposable income for holidays, heating and food have pushed Harrogate residents to the top of the Yorkshire carbon footprint league table. "It was a real surprise," says Paul. "Not only the fact that Harrogate is at the top of the carbon league table but also there are still lots of people who remain unconvinced about the climate change arguments. "It shows there's still a long way to go."
ICM Research interviewed a random sample of 1005 adults aged 18+ by telephone between 28 February - 1 March 2007. Interviews were conducted across the country and the results have been weighted to the profile of all adults. ICM is a member of the British Polling Council and abides by its rules. Further information at www.icmresearch.co.uk
Links relating to this story:Have your say... We want your views on climate change. Email insideout@bbc.co.uk with your comments and we'll publish a selection of them following the programme.
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Inside Out - Yorkshire & Lincolnshire: Friday March 30, 2007
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