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New ways of working....Our ways of working are responsible for some of the carbon emissions that are adding to the problem of climate change, but there are alternatives that we can take as individuals and businesses that will reduce the threat of future climate change. One way our work contributes to climate change is through the way we get to and from work or to business meetings. Whenever we travel around we burn fossil fuels that release greenhouse gases into our atmosphere. We all need to get around in Cornwall, but there are some easy alternatives many people are already taking to stop unnecessary emissions and reduce the future impact of climate change. 
One way to reduce unnecessary transport emissions is to consider if you really need to travel in the first place. For example, face to face meetings are not always essential, in today’s technological age it has never been easier to do things electronically. In the case of meetings it is now easy to use audio and video conferencing. Lots of companies offer telephone conferencing facilities, these can be set up over the phone or via the internet and allow your colleagues to dial in to join in with the meeting. Its also easy to use video conferencing – either via a mobile phone or over a web-cam with a computer. These ways of working allow you to meet your business objectives, without the need for travel, saving unnecessary emissions, time and money. If getting to work is unavoidable, it’s still possible to do this in a climate friendly way. As well as making use of public transport the most emission friendly options are to walk or cycle, these are especially easy if you are only making a Why it’s important….Burning petrol and diesel to get us around creates greenhouse gases and the levels of these in our atmosphere are now higher than at any point in the past 800,000 years. Of these gases, carbon dioxide is the cause of climate change, the amount of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere has increased by 30 per cent in just 200 years. The UK Climate Change Strategy 2006, says that emissions of carbon dioxide from road transport grew by 8 % between 1990 and 2000 and forecasts suggest that road transport emissions will grow by another 8 % between 2000 and 2010. In Cornwall we can help to make sure we are not adding to this growing trend of emissions from transport. Working from home, using telephone and video conferencing, making use of public transport and cycling are some easy ways to help tackle climate change. Getting around on your bike also allows you to take in our breathtaking scenery. Further information....
Cycling Photo courtesy of CTC
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OptionsThis StoryListen again to this story.... Related Stories21. LEAP MediaRelated LinksCornwall FoE Home Working CTC Cycling in Cornwall Sustrans Defra
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short journey. CTC a charity that supports cycling in the UK says that around three quarters of the journeys people make are less than 5miles long, which is less than half an hour on a bike. It sounds obvious, but as well the benefits to the climate, switching short journeys to bicycle is good for you and can save the time and expense of trying to find somewhere to park. 