A Carbon Footprint Game by Surfers Against Sewage.
It’s National Energy Saving Week and Surfers Against Sewage (SAS) have today launched a carbon footprint game for wave riders so they can find out just how ‘green a surf warrior’ they are!
The online game, accessible at http://sas.org.uk/pr/2007/climate_change_2.php, is a follow on from the scientific report ‘Climate Change – A Surfers Perspective’ http://www.sas.org.uk/pr/2007/climate_change_1.php, that SAS launched in June and which examined the impact a changing climate could have on surfing in the future.
After a year spent researching the potential impacts of a changing climate, SAS are now concerned that surfers in the UK could suffer from:
- A reduction in water quality as sewer systems are overwhelmed during storm events, increasing the health risks to surfers and other recreational water users.
- Changes in surf conditions as sea level rise leads to less surf at some low tide reefs and increased beach erosion at some sites.
- Possible changes in the amount of surf reaching some areas or at certain times of the year.
- Much reduced water temperatures if the Gulf Stream were to shut down.
By playing this animated game wave riders will get a good idea about how much energy they are currently saving.
SAS are keen to see groups like surfers pledge to take further carbon saving actions in the future to benefit the sport. In particular we're encouraging them to car share more, take more surf trips in the UK and less long haul flights and switch to renewable energy suppliers.
Richard Hardy, SAS Campaigns Director says: “This is a fun game that everyone who enjoys riding waves should play. Having thoroughly researched the impact a changing climate could have for wave riding in the future, communities like surfers, must play a leading role in the sporting world to significantly cut carbon dioxide emissions and save energy. This cycle can start in the home by making sure you only boil as much water as you need in the kettle for your pre-surf ‘cuppa’ and finish by considering your travel options to the beach”.
The game has been funded by The Crown Estate’s Marine Communities Fund.
Dr Carolyn Heeps, Head of Policy and Sustainable Development (Marine Estate) at The Crown Estate says: “We are pleased that more recreational sea users are aware of potential changes to the marine environment due to climate change and that they recognise the need to take positive action to reduce their impact on the marine environment.”
For more information please contact Richard Hardy on Tel: 01872 555951 or 07711 767548.