The greenhouse effect : an approach to a local response

Abstract

The greenhouse effect is a phenomenon which is expected to lead to significant global climate changes in the next century and beyond. Because climate is so vital to our lifestyle and food production, changes to it are potentially extremely serious. It is therefore important that the effects of climate change be addressed. Key characteristics of the problem emerge from a discussion of the phenomenon and its potential impacts. Ways in which it could be averted, or at least reduced, are then discussed, but the conclusion is that global prevention is unlikely, and therefore adaptation to the new climate will be necessary at national and local levels. To study possible actions at a local level, Christchurch is used as a case study. Christchurch, its planning institutions, and the type of climate change problem to which immediate attention should be given, are described. Finally, a model is developed to describe the factors contributing to inaction on a given problem. This model is used to explore ways in which the effect of these factors can be reduced.