Bradford Council is warning residents that climate change is in their hands and it has urged them to think about their own impact on the environment.

From switching off lights, appliances and monitors when you leave the room to recycling more or using the car less, the district's population can make a difference to the amount of carbon emissions released into the atmosphere.

Burning fossil fuels, such as coal, oil, petrol and gas, to make electricity releases greenhouse gases into the atmosphere, particularly carbon dioxide, which contributes to climate change. Scientific research has predicted this will lead to more frequent extreme weather.

The Council will launch an awareness campaign next year, which includes a programme of events, to look at how Bradford residents can tackle climate change on a local level.

Called Climate Change - Together We Can Beat It, the campaign will look at raising awareness of the small steps Bradford residents could take to help limit climate change. Cutting down on energy use and recycling paper, glass and cans are some of the small changes we can all make to reduce our impact on the environment.

Councillor Anne Hawkesworth, the executive member for environment and culture, said: "This programme of events will demonstrate to Bradford residents how local actions can help tackle the global issues that are leading to these severe weather conditions.

"We can all do our bit and by taking responsibility for our own contribution to climate change, recognise that it's real and it's happening now, we can work together towards a more sustainable future for the planet."

The campaign has been funded by a £200,000 grant from the Department for the Environment, Food and Rural Affairs.

It will include activity days every two months on climate change issues and a theatre production and workshops for primary schools.

The Council is also looking at its own impact on the environment and introducing initiatives to save energy and increase recycling.

There include eco-stewards - members of staff responsible for ensuring recycling takes place in each Council office and energy is saved by turning off unnecessary lights and computers - and other pilot schemes to increase recycling and reduce waste in its buildings.

e-mail: jo.winrow@bradford.newsquest.co.uk