Global warming is no storm in a teacup for UK homeowners

By: Isla Campbell
Submitted: 2008-11-06 18:02:22
Print this article | Tell a friend | For publisher | Social Bookmarking
Rating:
 

It’s probably fair to say that global warming is one of the most debated topics of the 21st century. And, whilst most people would probably agree that global warming is indeed happening, much of the debate has centred on whether humans are to blame, or whether it’s simply nature running its course.

But at any rate, many scientists believe that the effects of global warming are being witnessed already with numerous extreme weather events happening around the globe which have resulted in droughts, floods and subsequently, a higher incidence of disease in many of the world’s poorer countries.

Moreover, whilst the UK may be synonymous with rain for many people, it traditionally has never experienced extreme weather events such as hurricanes and cyclones. But, the floods that swept many parts of the UK throughout the summers of 2007 and 2008 may be a hint at what’s to come if climate change predictions are anything to go by.

However, even though many homes were completely destroyed by the UK floods, research has shown that more than a third of all UK homes remain uninsured, with as much as £214 billion of property directly at risk to future flooding. Indeed, 2008 has been a particularly turbulent year for storms in general, with hurricanes Ike and Gustav in particular causing substantial damage throughout the USA and Caribbean, with the effects of them being felt as far away as the UK.

Of course, the weather is one thing that humans have no control over and the widespread destruction it can cause from time to time is simply a part of life. But, that doesn’t mean to say that measures can’t be put in place to help minimise the long-term effect an extreme weather event could have on people’s lives.

This desire to address the issue of global warming and climate change has led to the formation of Climate Wise, which is essentially a group of leading organisations from within the insurance industry that conduct research and analysis on the potential risks of climate change. And, its main aim is to ultimately, reduce the risks global warming poses to the UK.

But in terms of taking immediate action to reduce the risks that storms and floods pose, the simplest solution may be to ensure adequate home insurance is in place. This not only covers the structure of the house, but also all of the contents too.

And, for those who already have insurance in place, then it’s certainly worth requesting a new UK home insurance quote. Furthermore, it will certainly pay to scrutinize the small print, because it’s possible that the contents of the home have increased in value since the original policy was taken out, thus meaning they are now ‘under-valued’.

So, whether it’s down to human activity or simply part of nature’s climate cycle, it certainly seems that global warming is more than a storm in a teacup for homeowners across the globe, which is why it’s wise to ensure adequate home insurance is in place. Clearly, by spending a little money now, it could save a lot of money should the worst happen.

Isla Campbell writes for a digital marketing agency. This article has been commissioned by a client of said agency. This article is not designed to promote, but should be considered professional content.

Article source: Expert Articles

Most Recent Articles in Environmental category

  • Top 7 Tips to Make Your Home Eco Friendly - By: Anna Barrington
    Being green really can be quite simple. Follow our top tips and you will reduce your energy bills and your carbon footprint.
  • Are galax leaves, still gathered from the wild, getting overpicked? - By: Skip Malowski
    Of all the natural products used by florists, very few are still gathered from the wild Galax is one. The glossy, leathery leaves with the rounded heart shape come from a lowgrowing plant native to the Appalacian Mountains. For over a century, locals have harvested galax leaves for sale to florists. In the past ten years and more, however, demand has increased to the point where it may exceed the current sustainable supply
  • Natural Gas - UK's Primary Source of Energy - By: Felipe Bazon
    Accounting for over 40 percent of the country's total energy needs, natural gas is UK's primary source of energy, it is used to generate electricity, provide heat and power to homes and industries all over the country.
  • The difficulty in being Green - By: Darwin Redshield
    Just as it's easy to be green in San Francisco, it is fairly difficult to achieve eco-friendly standards in LA. Public transit is nearly non-existent in the sprawling metropolis: most commuters zip to work in their gas-guzzling vehicles via the complex maze of Los Angeles highways.
  • Commercial EPCs: The guide - By: Winston Smith
    If you're thinking of construct, sell or lease a commercial construction, you might have to consider obtaining an Energy Performance Certificate. This piece tells you all you need to know about EPCs, incorporating core information like whether these documents are a legal requirement for your situation, how they are put together and which entities look after enforcement.
  • Fires are Heating up the Atmosphere - By: Saddam Hussain
    It seems each week another natural disaster breaks out somewhere in the world. It seems the number of fires, floods, earthquakes and hurricanes are increasing. They also seem to be becoming more and more devastating. It would be reassuring to tell ourselves that things aren't any different than they were twenty years ago, that we simply have a more globalised media system now, or that such events are blown out of proportion by the media themselves.
  • Five Ways Kids Can Help the Environment - By: Gregg Camp
    As a kid, it might seem like you're too young, too small, or the problem is too big for you to help the environment. There are a number of things that a young person can do to help preserve and protect the world.
  • The History of Greenland Expeditions - By: Jenny Andrew
    Most early expeditions to Greenland had scientific rather than mountaineering objectives.
  • Are you "green"? - By: E. Jovanovic
    Being "green" doesn't only mean buying plants for your home or garden, or saying "save the whales dude!" If you think that you have to be rich or powerful to be able to do something for the well fare of your planet, you're terribly wrong. Everybody can help in the battle against global pollution, the greenhouse effect and other evils that menace our bare existence.
  • Study Spanish and Discover Mexico's Biodiversity - By: Enrique Helmbrecht
    As you study Spanish in Mexico you will get in touch with a great variety of animals and flowers. Lush vegetation, forests and jungles made up of Mexico on of the 18 megadiverse countries in the world, a perfect place to study Spanish for those who are curious and adventurous.