RICHARD ANGWIN INTERVIEW

1. What do you think are the main causes of climate change?
Our climate is always changing as the result of natural factors (ocean currents, solar activity, volcanoes etc). But the current rate of change is unprecedented in human history. The air we breathe contains far more carbon dioxide, methane and nitrous oxide than at any time in the last 500,000 years. This is caused primarily by the burning of fossil fuels and the changes in land use. In other words, WE are the main cause of climate change.

2. How soon, if at all, do you think you will be personally affected by climate change?
I am already affected by it. Our climate has changed significantly over the last 20 to 30 years. Frost and snow are much less common than they were. And although we cannot be sure, it is quite possible that floods like the ones we saw in Gloucestershire could become a more common occurrence.

3. How concerned are you about the impact of climate change in the UK?
No doubt some parts of the UK will be given up to nature as sea levels rise. And some of our flora and fauna will not be able to adapt quickly enough to climate change. But overall we will fair much better than other regions of the world.

4. How much influence do you think you personally can have on limiting climate change?
We all have a duty to reduce our impact on the environment but there is a greater responsibility to make sure our political leaders are aware that there are votes to be won by parties which develop serious policies to deal with these issues.

5. What actions do you think you could take in your day to day life to help limit climate change, including things you’re already doing?
We try to limit the amount of waste produced in our house by reusing and recycling as much as possible. We use water collected in rain butts for washing cars and watering plants. We compost garden and food waste and make sure the loft is insulated to at least the recommended levels. Although my wife and I love to travel, we try to choose destinations closer to home. Where this is not possible we make sure we offset our carbon emissions.

6. Do you have an idea for the 100 ideas house?
I would like to be able to remotely programme our heating and lighting. Home an hour late tonight? Simple. Just dial home and alter the settings, saving an hour’s worth of heat and light.