Global warming is caused by a build up of carbon dioxide (CO2) acting like a planetary duvet and trapping heat in the atmosphere.  Climate Change refers to the increase in the average temperature of the Earth's near-surface air and oceans since the mid-twentieth century and its projected continuation.  The main cause of climate change is attributed to the build up of carbon dioxide (CO2) in the atmosphere.  While every living thing produces CO2 naturally, human activities such as the combustion of fossil fuels and deforestation have caused the concentration of atmospheric carbon dioxide to increase by about 35% since the early 1900's. Experts believe that the increasing global temperature may cause sea levels to rise, exacerbate the intensity of extreme weather events, and affect the amount and pattern of global precipitation. Other effects of global warming will include changes in agricultural yields, trade routes, glacier retreat, species extinctions and extension in the ranges of disease vectors.

You can see the clear correlation between global temperature rise and levels of CO2 in the atmosphere. Some 99% of the world's scientists are now in agreement that the undisputed rise in global temperatures has at least a contributory cause from us all and that CO2 emissions must be reduced.  

The business response to climate change:

More and more businesses, from FTSE 250 and fortune 500 to individual SME's are looking at ways to reduce the impact of their business on climate change and are managing this as a strategic business issue. In addition consumer spending on ethical and environmentally friendly products and services is growing, indicating a desire to reduce their personal impact.

For businesses the key drivers are:

• Stakeholder pressure - including staff, customers and investors
• Reputaion
• Bottom line benefits from reducing energy and other costs
• Engaging and retaining staff and clients
• Aligning practice with internal environmental policies

Businesses are responding to the challenge and opportunity presented by climate change in a number of ways.

For any company looking to manage carbon emissions the first place to start is to conduct a carbon footprint assessment. Such an assessment will show a company the emissions by source such as waste, energy and travel.

CO2 emissions from corporate travel can account for over 25% of a company's carbon 'footprint'.

Emissions from travel are very 'visible' to staff, investors and customers so are often linked to the perceived environmental impact of a business. It's an obvious area for companies to target reductions. It's also an opportunity for a pro-active travel solutions provider, like UNIGLOBE, to offer a lower carbon travel service to our corporate clients.