The background
To begin it is worth reminding ourselves of the impact of climate change,
urbanization, economic growth and globalization.
Climate change. As we know, the earth's climate is constantly changing
– but in recent years there has been a significant change. The Intergovernmental
Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) has predicted that global temperature will rise
by the end of the century by between 1.4C and 5.8C. Most of the warming that has
occurred over the last 50 years is, according to the IPCC (2007), attributable
to human activities. The result of this will be a further rise in sea levels
(and an increased risk of flooding), problems around fresh-water supplies in
many parts of the world, a decrease in agricultural productivity in many areas,
and significant health risks. The Stern Review (2006) concluded that climate
change presents very serious global risks, and it demands an urgent global
response. It will impact disproportionately on poorer countries – but even in
richer countries, if nothing is done there will be profound economic
consequences. Overall, it could mean the equivalent of around a 20% reduction in
consumption per head.