My Climate Change Garden

Looks like wellies and waterproofs for bonfire night celebrations this weekend with the Met Office predicting heavy downpours. http://www.metoffice.gov.uk/weather/uk/se/london_forecast_weather.html

With all the fun of the fireworks it is easy to forget that rain could be one of our most precious commodities in the future.Population growth, climate change, drought conditions and the restriction of sufficiently large fresh waterways close to metropolitan areas are driving the necessity to find alternative solutions.

Water availability per person is decreasing (Figure 1), while water withdrawal per person is increasing (Figure 2). In its simplicity, demand is up, supply is down as this chart shows:

Figure 1: Water Availability Per Capita*	Figure 2: Water Withdrawals*

Rainwater harvesting is one way to renew our incessant demand for a regular water supply  – this was originally prefected by the Romans and it is time to rediscover and re-invest in this simple system as the environmental effects of climate change bring heavy rainfall to many parts of the world .http://www.savetherain.info/media-centre/rainwater-harvesting-faqs.aspx

If you are considering a rainwater harvesting system for your UK office or home check out these information days that are being held this Autumn:http://www.rainwaterharvesting.co.uk/training-days.php

Water is a free and valuable commodity that we should use more effectively.

Maybe the UK government should demonstrate their commitment to the environment by introducing council tax incentives that encourage homeowners to use rainwater systems instead of handing big profits to the Water Authorities?

Let me know your thoughts on this soggy issue by posting a comment here or email hello@globalgardening.org