Stormy weather for the planet !

In 2003 Nausicaa presented an exhibition on the theme of disruptive climate change entitled «Stormy Weather for the Planet!».

The exhibition introduced visitors to the Earth’s different climates, as well as to the phenomenon of greenhouse gas emissions.

Greenhouse effect

Thanks to the invaluable greenhouse effect our planet basks in the comfortable temperature of +15° C rather than – 18° C. Without it, life would not be possible. We enjoy this protection thanks to the presence in our atmosphere of tiny quantities of a few gases, including water vapour, carbon dioxide and methane.

Human activities such as industry, transportation and energy production, have, in less than two centuries, put as much carbon dioxide into the atmosphere as nature in thousands of years. And this is just the beginning. In France alone our energy consumption has tripled since the 1960s.

The greenhouse gas emissions of human origin are:  55% Co₂, 24% halocarbons, 15% methane and 6% N₂O (especially fertilizers).  38% of the Co₂ comes from energy production, 25% comes from industry and 24% comes from transportation.

So we have a collective responsibility

For the future of the Blue Planet, we can make a difference. Ever since it opened, Nausicaa has worked to raise awareness about sustainable development and, in the spirit of the Johannesburg World ‘Earth’ Summit, convey the message that «For the future of the Blue Planet, every gesture we make matters, and 6 billion small gestures can become a powerful movement». This was the message of Nausicaa’s exhibition on disruptive climate change, «Stormy Weather for the Planet ! ».

The exhibition introduced visitors to the Earth’s different climates in order to better understand why greenhouse gas emissions are a problem and to think about what we can do or change in our everyday lives as consumers to help.

Here are a few examples of things we can change :

IN THE CAR

MAKE THE COMMITMENT AND SAVE MONEY !

• Reduce speed and drive steadily. By dropping from 130 to 110 km/h, you can make a fuel saving of 20%.
• Service your engine regularly and keep your tyres properly inflated. Doing so will save you a further 20%.
• Switch off your engine when stationary for more than a minute, over a minute and your idling fuel consumption is greater than the fuel you need to start up.
• Drive less. For short trips, opt to walk or cycle. A car uses 50 % more fuel in the first kilometre.
• Drive less. Choose public transport. There are plenty of options in towns, such as trains, buses or trams!

AT HOME

MAKE THE COMMITMENT AND SAVE MONEY !

• If you feel a little cold just put on a pullover! By reducing your temperature by 1° C you make a 7% saving.
• Use a thermostat to control your heating. Controlling and adapting your energy use to your needs can reduce your consumption by between 5 and 8 %.
• Whenever you can, use compact fluorescent lamps. They use 4 times less energy. Over their lifespan, they will save you 9 times their purchase price.
• Position your desk near a window, make the most of the daylight for longer...
• When you leave a room, turn out the light. Imagine if everyone did ! 
• Turn off rather than leave electrical/electronic appliances on standby. Standby accounts for 72% of the energy used by a TV screen!
• As often as possible, wash clothing at low temperatures. Washing at 30° C uses 3 times less energy than washing at 90° C and 25% less than washing at 60° C. 
• Use the washing machine or dishwasher only when fully loaded.

IN THE KITCHEN

MAKE THE COMMITMENT AND SAVE MONEY !

• Put a lid on your saucepan and use 30% less energy!.
• Regularly de-ice your fridges and freezers. 5 mm of ice on their inside walls doubles their energy consumption.
• Avoid opening the refridgerator door too often. You let warm air in each time !
• Buy seasonal food produce. This reduces the need for transportation and refridgeration.