The Euro is not the only thing to be concerned about if you live in Europe. The rapidly changing weather patterns are affecting many farmers and gardeners all over the continet. This map  gives the highest and lowest annual minimum temperatures. If you want to see more detail for your country click http://www.gardenweb.com/zones/europe/

The detailed climate zone map for the UK refers to -12c  and it is true that up until the last two winters, the frequency of such low temperatures in SE England was very rare. However, winter 2010/11 saw temperatures drop this low in many parts of England, including the South and East. Predictions are that UK winters could become even colder as climate change affects the flow of the oceans.

The French Alps are already feeling the effects of climate change with 25% of the Glaciers in the French Alps having disapeared in  the past 40 years, according to new research. http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/science-environment-16025568

As the world waits to see what sort of Europe will emerge over the next few weeks, this map signifies even bigger  threats over the next 50 years  as climate change affects weather patterns across Europe.

The Covenant of Mayors is the mainstream European movement involving local and regional authorities, voluntarily committing to increasing energy efficiency and use of renewable energy sources on their territories. By their commitment, Covenant signatories aim to meet and exceed the European Union 20% CO₂ reduction objective by 2020.

Check out what is happening in your local areahttp://www.eumayors.eu/about/signatories_en.html

One of the most confusing things for gardeners about climate change is the uncertainty of what is actually going to happen with the weather.

The biggest challenge likely to face gardeners everywhere is water management as rainfall is likely to fall by around one fifth by the middle of the century, leading to an increased risk of summer droughts. Conversely winter rainfall is likely to increase by around 15%.

The Met Office reveal that the only certainity is that things are going to change dramatically over the next 50 years.http://www.metoffice.gov.uk/news/releases/archive/2009/gardening

Trees are vital to the future of our planet as they soak up carbon dioxide in the atmosphere.http://www.guardian.co.uk/environment/2009/nov/26/trees-to-combat-climate-change

Wherever you live in the world please  think about where you can plant more  trees – they are beautiful and easy to look after as long as you choose the right tree for the right soil and position.http://www.treecanada.ca/publications/guide.htm

Use these sites to find out more and make your selections:

http://www.tree-shop.co.uk/

http://www.fast-growing-trees.com/

http://www.treetrader.co.uk/

http://springwise.com/weekly/2010-12-01.htm#mabulleetmoi

The collective answer of the scientific community can be boiled down to a single word: probably.

“The climate is changing,” said Jay Lawrimore, chief of climate analysis at the National Climatic Data Center in Asheville, N.C. “Extreme events are occurring with greater frequency, and in many cases with greater intensity.”

http://www.nytimes.com/2010/08/15/science/earth/15climate.html?ref=globalwarming

Beat the unpredictable global weather this summer by growing your own food and baking your own bread.http://www.allotment.org.uk/allotment_foods/bread-making/index.php

http://vodpod.com/watch/4018941-2010-hottest-year-so-far-on-record

http://english.aljazeera.net/news/americas/2010/07/2010717132048381555.html

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/topics/weather/7895681/Worlds-hottest-year-on-record-expected.html

http://climateprogress.org/2010/07/10/nasa-hottest-year-solar-minimum/

http://news.yahoo.com/s/nm/20100716/wl_nm/us_weather_hottest_record

http://www.perthnow.com.au/news/hottest-year-on-record/story-e6frg12c-1225892772028

http://www.vancouversun.com/news/World+simmers+hottest+year+record/3290162/story.html

70% of plants are threatened by extinction as a result of climate change

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=V1VYmpTikgw&feature=related

It is inviting the world to take action in order to safeguard the variety of life on Earth and the natural living systems that provide us with food,fuel, health,wealth, and other vital services.There are events taking place all over the world which aim to highlight the value of biodiversity and encourage a celebration of life on earth.

http://www.cbd.int/2010/welcome/ has more information about the objectives and how  you can support this in your own country.