Global Warming

With gradually rising sea waters, and global warming becoming a regular topic of conversation, some have come to research the effects the increasing sea levels will have on coastal countries. For my part in this exhibition I have looked into the effects of global warming, and how in turn, it will affect Petersfield.

Petersfield is home to roughly 16,000 residents as of 2019, despite the small nature of the town, Petersfield also contains a train station, and has two major A roads running through, or by it (these being the A3 and the A272. Though currently these don't seem like particularly major points, in the future they could very well be.

If global warming continues as it is, Portsmouth could be entirely submerged by 2100, along with some of the surrounding areas. With Portsmouth being a densely populated area, as well as an important trading area, the question falls to ‘where would be the next ideal place?’. Though Petersfield is out of the way in comparison to Portsmouth, it is also a likely candidate in becoming more densely populated, and expanding over the next 100 years. Due to its location and already pre-existing connections, the town may become one of the larger networked areas in the country, due to the loss of land, and the need for many residents living in the UK to move inland more.

By 2080, the UK is estimated to have a population of around 85 million. Currently, 78% of the county's population live within a stretch of the coastline that is at risk of flooding, and subsequent erosion. Consequently that leaves the option of moving inland, or leaving all together. With these statistics, it could lead to Petersfield becoming one of the south's biggest cities, with the current coastline cities potentially sinking into the water. This could potentially lead to Petersfield having a 53.6% increase in population by 2077 and a 73.7% increase in population by 2098(east Hampshire population forecasts), however it is possible that the population may exceed this, depending on rate of population growth and the amount of land mass available.

So what can you do to help prevent it?

Though some may like the thought of Petersfield expanding, others may not. Though individually these acts can't majorly affect the rate of global warming, if everyone did a little bit, it would help massively.

Using locally grown or sourced foods. Petersfield has a small farmers markets each week, use these as an opportunity to both help the environment and local farmers, as agriculture contribution around 21% of climate change (from deforestation to transport of goods. It also helps to reduce the amount of meat you eat, not to cut it out completely, but reducing the amount can help with protecting the environment that bit more.

Electricity bills. Try to reduce the amount you use, so if you leave a light on in a room but no ones in there, turn it off! Same with TVs, plug sockets, radios, the lot. This will both help you financially and the environment.

Short journeys. If it's within walking distance, walk (if you can), or take a bus. Using public transport can help reduce carbon emissions, and can help with decreasing environmental damage, using public transport will also save you fuel for when you need it most.

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