Climate change is real, and it is happening now.

We stare, open-mouthed, at the shocking images captured on films like The Day After Tomorrow, when a sudden, global climatic change leads to ice covering the Northern Hemisphere.

But, if global warming carries on unchecked, that horrific prospect, or another very like it, could become fact.

What is happening all around us in the real world is seen by many, in particular the scientific community, as a wake-up call.

Already we are witnessing the worldwide impact of the phenomenon, with disturbing pictures of melting ice caps, stranded polar bears, devastating floods, sweltering temperatures in mainland Europe, longer periods of drought, water shortages, subsidence, the loss of wildlife habitats.

Here in Bradford we are doing our bit, with a vast range of initiatives including recycling domestic and commercial rubbish, waste reduction at the city's main shopping centre and markets, pollution monitoring and control, community orchards and gardens, environmental projects in schools and workplaces, and involvement in ethical trading.

And to further the green message, the Telegraph & Argus is today launching a weekly supplement. Planet will look at the many laudable efforts being made across the district to help reduce the so-called carbon footprint.

We will speak to those at the forefront of work to help reduce CO2 emissions and reduce global warming, and to those within our community who have expert knowledge of the subject. And we will look at how you can help, because every little counts. We can all do our bit.