Global Warming – Why not Develop your Garden as an Additional Room?

Many scientists and knowledgeable observers warn of impending doom or Armageddon in the guise of global warming, but there are others who are sceptical and highlight advantages.

Recent extreme weather events, melting of ice caps and rising sea levels are, however, an alarming indication that global warming is fact. The damning evidence also suggests that human activity affects global warming, especially through the release of greenhouses gases and the use of aerosols.

There is controversy over how fast the earth is warming up. Some scientists estimate that atmospheric temperatures could rise by 1.4° to 5.8°C in the next 100 years. Others believe that they will rise more slowly. Globally, scientists believe temperatures have already risen by 0.8°C, even more in sensitive polar regions.

Whatever the causes and timescale, the effects of global warming are very serious. The planet is warming, from North Pole to South Pole, and everywhere in between. The heat is not only melting glaciers and sea ice, it’s also shifting precipitation patterns and setting animals on the move.

A report led by scientists in the UK and US found the rate of melting from the Antarctic ice sheet has accelerated threefold in the last five years and is now vanishing faster than at any previously recorded time. A separate study warns that unless urgent action is taken in the next decade the melting ice could contribute more than 25cm to a total global sea level rise of more than a metre by 2070. This could lead eventually to the collapse of the entire West Antarctic ice sheet, and around 3.5m of sea-level rise

Prof Andrew Shepherd, from Leeds University and a lead author of the study on accelerating ice loss, said: “We have long suspected that changes in Earth’s climate will affect the polar ice sheets. Thanks to our satellites our space agencies have launched, we can now track their ice losses and global sea level contribution with confidence.” He said the rate of melting was, “surprising … this has to be a cause for concern for the governments we trust to protect our coastal cities and communities”.

There are many documented effects of climate change, at local and global levels. These can be broadly grouped into environmental, economic and social effects:

Environmental

Low-lying land is threatened, therefore the lives of 80 million people across the globe will be threatened, including the Shetland Islands in Scotland, Bangladesh and Japan. Increased severity of extreme weather will affect food production, destroy or alter animal habitats and cause localised devastation.

Economic

Hotter temperatures and changes in rainfall patterns will have an impact on global water supplies. This will influence global food production as there may be less water available for agricultural purposes or too much resulting in flooding and crop destruction. Crop yields are expected to decrease for all major world crops, prices will increase. Economic consequences will also be negative for tourism, insurance and personal incomes.

Social

People will migrate from areas suffering drought and rising coastal water levels. Any that remain will be in danger of dying from starvation, lack of water, health-related issues or drowning and a place to live.

These facts are extremely worrying to humankind, but are there any advantages of Global Warming?

The reported main benefits of global warming include:

• Fewer winter deaths
• Lower energy costs
• Probably fewer droughts
• Maybe richer biodiversity.
• Winter deaths exceed summer deaths
• Global warming has so far cut heating bills more than it has raised cooling bills.
• Better agricultural yields

For example, carbon dioxide is an extremely rare trace gas in the air (less than 0.04 per cent of the air on average) plants struggle to absorb enough of it. On a windless, sunny day, a field of corn can suck half the carbon dioxide out of the air. Commercial greenhouse operators therefore pump carbon dioxide into their greenhouses to raise plant growth rates. The bizarre thing is that our planet is getting greener!

Sceptics say that we will probably pocket the benefits of Climate Change and mitigate at least some of the harm by technological advances, adaption and modification. I’m not convinced.

There are also some advantages for of us in Britain who should experience a warmer climate. We can go to more outdoor events and enjoy our gardens more often.

Brilliant Wall Art, the Midlands premier wall art, garden and home accessory specialist, will be attending many outdoor events this summer and autumn – the Moreton In Marsh Show, the Kidderminster Horticultural Society and the Midland Game Fair.

Is it time to invest in your garden to exploit the warm weather, not only for this summer, but for many years to come? Why not transform your garden into another room, to enjoy this outdoor lifestyle?

Judie Brower advises that there are three basic steps for creating garden rooms.

She says:

“Are you tired of simply thinking of your garden as an open space or something to view from a distance?  Do you want your guests to feel as comfortable in your garden as they do in your home? Would you like to create an outdoor small space for a few moments of solitude and privacy?”

Judie affirms that one must define the purpose, keep in mind distance and views whilst considering elevation and furnishings (furniture/accessories) and landscape features. Once you’ve addressed the first five points, it’s time to create your garden room by using a sense of enclosure. Finally, one needs to choose appropriate plants which have sensory benefits. Follow this link for details:

Brilliant Wall Art can assist with the purchase of your furnishings that will assist your execution of your completely new garden room(s). Simply buy your garden accessories, garden products and outdoor furniture from the extensive range at Brilliant Wall Art.

Please browse our Garden Furniture, Garden Accessories and Garden Wind Spinners

My personal TOP PICK is the Garden Rocking Chair Bench which is styled on a traditional Victorian design. It has a rustic distressed finish to show age chips, dents and scratches, with a shabby chic off white cream finish. The bench is supplied flat packed so simple assembly required on delivery and measures approximately 92cm (36") High x 109cm (43") Wide x 90cm (35.5") Deep.  The bench is a great addition to any garden or patio area and designed to weather and discolour over time to blend into a garden.

We are proud to announce our attendance at the upcoming shows listed below, throughout the remainder of Summer 2018. Why not join us:

• 1st September - Moreton In Marsh Show - Moreton In Marsh Showground, Gloucestershire, GL56 0AB

• 8^th – 9^th September 2018 – Kidderminster Horticultural Society (KHS) - Behind Mercule Hotel, Kidderminster, Dy12 1LA
• 15^th -16^th September 2018 – The Midland Game Fair – Weston Park, Shropshire, TF11 8LE

Enjoy your purchases, see you at a local event and enjoy your garden before Autumn kicks in!

If you have any questions about our wall art or home accessories, please do not hesitate to contact us today.

BRILLIANT WALL ART

Bring out the Artist in You…Your walls are Your Blank Canvas