Our planet is surrounded by a blanket of gases which keeps the surface of the earth warm and able to sustain life. This blanket is getting thicker, trapping in heat as we release greenhouse gases by burning fossil fuels for energy and as we cut down forests and replace them with agricultural land. As a result, our climate is starting to change.

Scientific research indicates that, because of climate change, we may experience more intense and more frequent extreme weather events. A gradual increase in temperature also has major implications for ecosystems, growing seasons, animals and their habitats.

Some changes to the climate are inevitable – even if we stop emitting gases now, the gases we have already released will have an effect. However, we must do everything we can to avoid further changes and to adapt to the new situation we find ourselves in.

The evidence for climate change in the UK comes from weather records extending back over 350 years. From these, it's clear that the 1990s were the warmest decade in central England since records began in the 1660s. Coastal waters have also warmed, changing the distribution of important commercial fish species and other marine animals. A range of effects

A variety of other changes to the UK climate include:

• The growing season for plants in central England is now a month longer than it was in 1900.
• Summer heatwaves are occurring more frequently, and in winter there are fewer frosts.
• Compared with 50 years ago, we now get more rain and snow, and on fewer days – so they are even heavier.
• Average sea level around the UK is now about 10cm higher than it was in 1900.

Our corporate position as a pioneer in sustainable practices, means we must lead the way in taking positive action for our impact on the environment.

Climate change, caused by carbon emissions from use of fossil fuels, is the most serious environmental issue facing the world. Fossil fuel use for factories, offices, homes and transport is the largest source of global warming pollution. ACM has committed to neutralise our carbon footprint by 110%, making a positive difference to the environment. Our climate impact from freight of materials, manufacture, operations and delivery, has been calculated so that we can neutralise our carbon emissions by funding projects that slow global warming. This makes us the first waste management provider in the UK to be carbon neutral plus 10%.