| > | | | | It is estimated that in 2002/ 03 industry in the UK |
| | | | produced around 68 millions tonnes of waste which |
| An article about the devastating effects & | | | | without action the figure is expected to rise to 85 |
| Legislation requirements connected with | | | | million tonnes by 2020. |
| Environmental damage in the UK | | | | The environmental agency estimates that there were |
| In recent times it has been accepted by scientists | | | | over 25,000 pollution incidents which affected air, land |
| that climate change and man made emissions are | | | | and water in the UK in 2003. With 1,100 recorded has |
| causing climate changes throughout the world. | | | | having a significant serious impact on the |
| The ten most warmest years recorded globally since | | | | environment. Business was accountable for over half |
| records began have occurred from 1994 onwards | | | | of the serious reported pollution incidents in 2004. |
| with considerable carbon dioxide concentrations | | | | 45% of the 68 million tonnes of industrial and |
| increasing considerably. Carbon dioxide from the | | | | commercial waste produced in the UK in 2002/ 03 |
| business sector is responsible for 40% of the | | | | was recycled. The UK is however on course to meet |
| UK’s total carbon dioxide emissions. | | | | its target set by Government for reducing the |
| If we do not take immediate action to reduce | | | | amount of industrial waste sent to landfill which is |
| greenhouse gas emissions the global average | | | | 15% against 1998 recorded figures. |
| temperatures could raise as much as 5.8 centigrade | | | | To prevent further damage to the environment |
| higher than average by the end of the century. | | | | companies must become responsible for |
| This will result in devastating effects on human | | | | Environmental management. This will include recycling |
| society and the natural environment. Scientists have | | | | as much waste produced, conserving energy, |
| predicted that this climate change will lead to | | | | reducing waste to landfill and reducing carbon dioxide |
| increased drought, extreme rainfall which will have a | | | | emissions produced by your company’s |
| dramatic effect on agriculture particular in vulnerable | | | | activities. |
| under developed countries around the world. | | | | In my next article I will expand on what a company |
| Businesses are one of the main sources of these | | | | needs to do in more detail to fulfil their legal |
| damaging greenhouse gas emissions which in recent | | | | requirements in environmental management. If you |
| years have been targeted by government legislation | | | | are concerned or interested about what your |
| to tackle climate change including a levy placed on | | | | employer can do to manage environmental issues at |
| the use of energy by businesses. Environmental | | | | work, please feel free to use my articles as guidance |
| legislation requires all businesses to ensure their work | | | | on how to manage environmental issues. |
| activities do not harm the environment. | | | | |