D- day's almost here unless we act today; TOWN HALL ACTS OVER FEARS OF GLOBAL WARMING.

Byline: BY SONIA SHARMA

CLIMATE change could lead to a doomsday which would see the North Eats swamped.

Environment experts warn global warming could have a devastating impact on coastal areas if its effects are not reduced.

They forecast summers could be up to 60% drier while winters will be stormier and wetter, with rainfall rising by up to 30%.

Sea levels will rise, wind levels and consequent damage will increase, and there will be significantly more risk of flooding.

A report, compiled by North Tyneside Council, also says there may be damage to coastal property and the fabric of buildings, including historic structures, cliff and beach erosion is likely to rise, and the costs of maintaining sea defences could increase.

These shifts are set to threaten natural habitats, have an impact on health and will challenge infrastructure from rail and road to electricity networks.

Now the council has prepared an ambitious plan of action to help reduce the effects of climate change and has put together a strategy to make North Tyneside greener.

The plan promises to cut carbon footprints and help residents, businesses and community groups become more eco-friendly.

Mayor John Harrison said: "When scientists talk about the threat of catastrophic climate change, they don't just mean the inconvenience of extra flooding or the erosion of our beautiful coastline, but the fact that if no action is taken to cut carbon emissions, we face temperature rises of over five degrees towards the end of this century.

"The map of the world would be changed as sea levels rise, with people displaced by drought, starvation and the increased ferocity of extreme weather events. Every generation faces at least one great challenge. The challenge of the 21st Century is climate change.

"This is a problem for which everyone can genuinely do something through changing their own behaviour. From turning off appliances when they are not used, to using alternatives to the car for short journeys. But even such individual action alone will not be enough.

"This strategy and action plan sets out a series of measures that I, as elected mayor, will take forward including using energy more efficiently, changing fundamentally the way North Tyneside is supplied with energy, and ensuring new developments are of the highest environmental standards."

A sustainable development unit has been set up to help reduce carbon emissions. The team has already been exploring renewable energy for homes and is working with the Carbon Trust to establish the carbon footprint of five council buildings and reduce emissions.

Another aim is to cut domestic carbon emissions by 3% by 2020 through double glazing, loft insulation, condenser boilers and energy efficiency advice.

There will be education and training to encourage communities to make lifestyle and behaviour changes, as well as curriculum-based climate change education for schoolchildren.

New council buildings are to be greener with the use of renewable energy systems such as solar panels and micro wind turbines.

In addition, businesses, schools and other organisations will be encouraged to use eco travel plans, with car sharing, cycling and walking.

A council spokesman said: "The council is taking its environmental responsibilities very seriously and as well as supporting the wider community to adopt a greener way of living through projects such as the Climate Change Strategy, we are taking a close look at what the council does.

"The council and High bridge, owners of Cobalt Business Park, are also exploring whether wind turbines could be put on the top of the council's Quadrant headquarters.

The plan will be put before cabinet members next week.

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