The world is warming up – why 1.5°C matters

You may have noticed in news reports on global warming that if the earth warms by over 1.5°C above pre-industrial levels, we will step onto dangerous ground. Of course, many people may look at this and ask what is the big deal? But, why is such a small number so significant in our fight against global warming? After all, it heats up way above 1.5°C during the summer months everywhere.

If we look at the impact of this 1.5°C increase on humans, it’s not that significant. However, as an average temperature, it is the point at which many scientific experts predict that runaway changes will start to occur, and the climate impacts we already see will go from bad to worse. This could trigger irreversible changes and affect life as we know it. So, to stop these consequences, we need to do everything we can to keep global warming temperatures from rising above 1.5°C.

A Report from the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) clarifies that unless drastic action is taken to cut CO2 and other greenhouse gas emissions such as methane, then the average temperature across the globe will increase by 1.5-2°C this century. Once we reach 1.5°C, the global warming crisis is likely to get worse very quickly due to complex feedback loops.

Global leaders who signed the Paris Agreement in 2015 agreed to do their utmost to hold global warming to well below 2°C, and preferably limit it to 1.5°C, compared to pre-industrial levels.

The first review of this agreement is due at COP26, happening in Glasgow, which makes it an important issue right now. If minimal changes occur at the current rate, we could see global warming reach 1.5°C by the early 2030s. However, if we can rapidly cut carbon emissions to net-zero, it could delay global warming by decades.

Global warming is an average temperature

The 1.5°C increase in temperature relates to the global average over a set period. In some parts of the world, the average will significantly surpass this, but the critical number is the global average, not the regional temperatures.

The measure used to gauge this average is set from a baseline average temperature in the mid-to-late 1800s. Then, when the Industrial Revolution swung into high gear, people began burning fossil fuels unprecedentedly, kick-starting climate change.

The climate crisis is already here

The one takeaway from all of this is that the climate crisis doesn’t start when we reach 1.5°C. It’s already here and we are trying to lessen its impact by getting global warming under control. Crops are already unable to thrive in some areas and glaciers are melting. Forests are becoming net carbon emitters with the burning of logs dispelling harmful CO2 into the air.

The IPCC predict if we reach a temperature between 1.5-2°C warmer as an average, we could see the following occur:

  • 1.7 billion more people will experience severe heat waves at least once every five years.
  • Seas rising – on average – another 10cm (almost 4in).
  • Up to several hundred million more people become exposed to climate-related risks and poverty.
  • The coral reefs that support marine environments around the world could decline as much as 99%.
  • Global fishery catches could decline by another 1.5 million tonnes.
  • In forests like the Amazon, the effects on biodiversity could see some species become extinct.

Now is a time to take notice and do what we can to reduce the impact of climate change in our everyday lives.

Using timber from certified sustainable forests is one easy way you can help in mitigating the effects of climate change. That’s because timber is effectively a carbon sink – it stores the CO2 that was in the atmosphere and converted into timber by trees as they grow.

Ecochoice supplies FSC® certified timber for civil and marine projects, as well as loads of decking and cladding projects all over the UK. Please contact us for a free quote.

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Why global temperatures matter

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Unsure which timer is best for your project?

Our timber experts have years of experience and will be able to match the perfect species to your project, as well as provide a quote for sustainable timber at highly competitive prices.

Frequently asked questions

Do you supply timber for domestic uses?

Yes, we supply timber for domestic applications as well as commercial and public constructions. From garden decking to shed cladding, we will be happy to supply smaller deliveries for home use.

Is your timber FSC-certified?

Yes, all timber we supply is FSC or PEFC certified and sourced from independently verified responsibly managed forests. If we can’t find your request in FSC/PEFC certified timber we’ll suggest an alternative that is certified or clearly note that the offer is minimum EUTR.

Where does EcoChoice deliver to?

EcoChoice delivers to construction sites, warehouses and homes across the UK, as long as there’s access and unloading for our trucks.

What are the best timber species for exterior use?

There are many different timber species suitable for exterior use and which is the best for your project depends on your requirements. In general, though, we recommend EkkiGreenheartOpepe and Oak for heavier civil/marine uses. For intermediary external use such as decking, where the timber needs to be both strong and durable but not on the same level as civil engineering (bridgespiling, etc) we usually supply CumaruIpe, Jatoba, and Balau. And for the lighter exterior use where the timber is non-structural such as cladding, we deliver CedarLarchThermowood and others.

Which timber is the most durable?

Durability Class 1 timbers are the most durable. This of course depends on the use (hazard) class they’ll be in service for. For direct ground and water contact such as sleepers, fenders, marine piling, etc, Ekki and Greenheart are known to be the most durable timbers available. For decking and cladding where there’s no direct ground contact (use class 3) there’s a much wider range of timbers such Larch, Cedar, Thermo modified Pine or Ash and others.

What’s the best timber for internal cladding?

Internal cladding, where your timber is not in ground and not exposed to the elements can be classed as either use-class 1 or 2 – in which case most timbers will meet this durability criteria. That is not to say they’ll be the best, since internal environments have lower humidity (moisture) levels than outside. So in these cases, it’s best to go for a kiln-dried timber cladding board as these are more stable and delivered already in lower MC (moisture content) than the usual fresh sawn timbers sent to external applications. A word of caution – as timber reacts to variations in moisture, it’s best to avoid cladding any areas inside your bathroom.

How can I make decking less slippery?

The first thing is to ensure your deck boards are kept clean from leaves and other debris which will, over time, cover the surface and make it more slippery. Grooved boards can be used to improve grip if installed and used perpendicular to traffic, so especially useful in narrow passages and footbridges. Lastly, you can add our Grip-Choice strips: these are a mix of epoxy with aggregates that add gripping ridges to your deck area. Gripchoice is an easy way to make decking less slippery and safer, especially over large areas or where there’s high traffic. We can pre-install Grip-Choice strips for your decking before delivery or ship the strips separately to add to your existing deck’s grooves as a retro-fit solution.

What wood machining services do you offer?

We can offer planing, sawing, drilling and profiling of rough-sawn wood to any profile you require: from handrails to large port fenders.

Can you supply pre-drilled timber?

Yes, we will be happy to provide pre-drilled timber which is tailored to your needs for quick installation, thus saving you valuable time on site.

What cladding profiles do you supply?

We provide a wide range of cladding profiles, including tongue and groove, featheredge and shiplap. You can check the standard profiles here – but we can also match or custom make profiles to suit your specific needs.

Does timber change colour?

Yes, timber is well-known for changing colour over time. Some species can darken quickly right after installation, and like most untreated wood will eventually weather to a beautiful silver-grey. Interior timber is less likely to change colour (depending on conditions), and timber can be stained, painted or treated with UV-resistant oils to reduce colour change.

Do I need to treat exterior timber?

Some timbers such as Oak and Ekki, can withstand the strains of exterior use without any treatment. However, to extend the lifespan and maintain the aesthetic of your wood, we do recommend treating your timber with stains and oils. Pre-treated timber, such as ThermoWood and OrganoWood, are low-maintenance options which are more durable, but can have their life service extended by applying a clean and stain maintenance schedule.

Do I need to treat interior timber?

Depends on what area the timber is being used. For floor joists and timber rafters, it is common to see timber treated, or least very well kiln-dried. Other uses such as flooring may benefit from varnishing while internal timber cladding for decorative purposes shouldn’t require any treatment other than if you want to change its colour with different types of stains or oils.

Where are you based?

We’re based in Cambridge, UK, and coordinate multiple sawmills all over the world to manufacture your order. We then organise delivery with a range of hauliers so that your orders gets to your site on time.

What are the usual decking sizes?

Timber decking is usually 21x140mm or similar. For heavier applications where there’s more load and traffic, we deliver 35 or 45mm thick boards (such as Hastings Pier). Narrower boards are also possible: 95-90mm is a standard width – but we can manufacture whatever size you require.

What are the usual cladding sizes?

Typical cladding section sizes are 18×95 and 18x145mm although we can always custom make a section to suit your project’s design requirements. That includes waney edge boards in Oak or Chestnut as well as extra wide 195mm boards.

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Always helpful! One of our valued TDCA DeckMark and CladMark accredited supplier members which means their quality procedures are routinely audited and stand up to scrutiny giving you extra peace of mind.

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Janet Sycamore

Having needed the supply of cladding, decking boards and other specified timbers through out the year Eco choice have been very helpful in sourcing the specified timbers and quantities required at a very competitive price.

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Always helpful! One of our valued TDCA DeckMark and CladMark accredited supplier members which means their quality procedures are routinely audited and stand up to scrutiny giving you extra peace of mind.

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