South Asians across London are becoming concerned about climate change. New research found that over 84% of south Asians in London believe that our wasteful habits such as leaving devices on standby, not using energy saving lightbulbs and driving when not necessary is causing the climate to change.

Research carried out by London Sustainability Exchange (LSx) at various south Asian community events, cultural festivals and melas across London in 2007 found that the climate has become a more important issue for over 80% of south Asian Londoners.

With the effects of climate change becoming more apparent in London and Pakistan in the last few years, people are beginning to take action. According to the 2006 survey by the Energy Saving Trust, south Asians were less likely to engage in energy saving behaviour than other ethnic groups, with only 20% of south Asians trying to be energy effi cient at home. The 2007 fi ndings by LSx indicates a shift in attitudes towards climate change, with 87% of south Asian Londoners agreeing that they can personally help limit climate change by changing their behaviour through making small changes in their daily routines.

Muzammal Hussain, a member of the Pakistani community has been working with LSx as part of a team of ten specially commissioned ambassadors to help increase understanding and demonstrating ways in which people can help tackle climate change.

Muzammal, 36, who comes from Sudbury, is a psychiatrist and also founded the London Islamic Network for the Environment - an organisation that engages with a diverse range of communities about environmental matters such as climate change. Muzammal is excited about his work with LSx and encouraging the Pakistani community to actively help tackle these issues.

He says: “The signs suggest that climate change is already affecting our capital and will contribute to severe fl ooding and droughts in countries such as Pakistan. Pakistani Londoners can be a strong force for helping the environment, especially as not being wasteful is very much part of their heritage. If we all make some small changes, we can have a huge impact in reducing the emissions that contribute to the problems climate change brings.”

The research also suggested that faceto- face discussions and engagement with ambassadors such as Muzammal, has led to increased understanding of climate change within the community. 90% of people asked agreed they had a better grasp of what is happening.

Pakistani Londoners can also help tackle climate change and potentially save money by making the following small and simple changes in their daily routines:

• When boiling water in a pan, put a lid on it. This saves you energy, time and money.

• Unplug chargers for your mobile phone or MP3 player when you are not using them. If everyone unplugged electrical appliances such as TVs and DVD players when not in use it would save enough electricity each year to power 115,000 homes!

• Turning down your thermostat by 1°C could save you 10% on your heating bill and help tackle climate change.

• When buying new appliances, look for the Energy Saving logo or buy ones that have an energy effi ciency rating of A.

• Walk your children to school or the local shops. It saves money in petrol and will also help the environment and help you get fi tter and healthier.

• When doing your washing make sure you have a full load and wash on 30°C.

• Using a lower temperature can save you a third on the electricity you use. Muzammal will be continuing his work through 2008 and hopes it will encourage members of the Pakistani community in London to help tackle climate change by making the necessary changes NOW.