Climate change is impacting us in a number of different ways. Weather conditions are changing and although it is providing us with hotter summers, it is likely going to be damaging in the long run.

Drastic weather from climate change has been said to have come about from unprecedented levels of man-made emissions such as methane, nitrous oxide, and carbon dioxide. This has led to the increase in the Earth’s surface temperature, which will continue to rise if toxic emissions aren’t reduced. 

Protect Your Home From Climate Change

It has been estimated that the UK summer could get 24% hotter and drier, while winters are predicted to be 23% wetter. Additional action needs to be taken to protect homes and families to help tackle the inevitable rise in flooding and overheating.

Houses in the UK are not built to withstand the effects of climate change. 

But with a few modifications, you can easily adapt your home to counter any impacts from climate change. Here are 4 ideas to get you started.
​

1.  Increase Green Space

Keeping your front and backspace as green as possible can be key in reducing the risk of flooding. This is because lawns are much more effective at absorbing water than concrete. If a lawn is not an option for you, then the next best step would be to ensure the outdoor space surrounding your home uses permeable materials that are better at soaking up water, for example, gravel. 

2. Damp Proof Your Home

It is important to prep the exterior of your home to help prevent any damage. Damage from the weather can be detrimental and potentially cause rotting, structural issues, and black mold. You can buy bitumen paint or other similar products that will act as a barrier to prevent water damage. You should also consider treating any wooden doors and window frames with a preservative and replacing any timber floors with concrete. ​

3.  Move Appliances

As the risk of flooding becomes more prominent, you may consider relocating house appliances and electrical sockets. Appliances such as washing machines could be relocated to the first floor, or a garage that has flood proof measures in place. Boilers and electrical sockets could be fixed higher on the wall, to stay protected against costly water damage. ​
​

4.  Cooling Measures

As well as flooding, you are at risk of extremely hot weather. This can be unbearable to withstand, as well as risk impacting your health and wellbeing. There are many low-energy cooling systems that you can invest in that can keep your house cool throughout the summer while reducing your carbon footprint, for example, ceiling fans or green roofs. Green roofs can reduce the penetration of heat into your home. 

---

These precautionary changes to your home can help you stay resilient and protect your family in the face of climate change. As well as making changes to your home to protect it, you can also consider making a few lifestyle changes to decrease your contribution to greenhouse gases, for example, harvest rainwater, invest in solar panels, and replace household appliances with more energy-efficient ones.  

Comment Box is loading comments...