IT'S an all-too-familiar sight at this time of year. The banks of the River Ouse flooded, the waters creeping into St George's Field car park and Tower Gardens. Out on the A64, flooded fields stretch to either side of the road.

The fact that we've all seen this before doesn't make it any easier to bear for people whose homes and businesses are threatened by flood waters.

Four flood warnings are in place for the York area alone today. And while forecasters are predicting less rain over the next few days that is only in the short term. The computer-generated image we print on page 13 today of York Minster surrounded by flood waters shows how much of a long-term threat rising sea-levels could be if we don't change our behaviour and curb our use of fossil fuels.

Habits are hard to break. We are all used to the comfortable lives we lead - and many level an accusation of scaremongering at those who try to warn of the risks of global warming.

But as the report by the energy saving Trust makes clear, if we don't begin to act soon then by the 2050 it may already be almost too late.

The point is that we can all do our bit to help prevent climate change. Small steps add up to big change. Lighting accounts for up to 14 per cent of your household electricity consumption: so switching to energy-saving light bulbs can make a difference. Turning your central heating down by 1 degree C could cut your heating bills by 10 per cent - and draught proofing your windows could save energy being pumped out into the air.

Take the first step, and you might find how easy it is to take the next. And we all win.

Updated: 10:21 Monday, October 25, 2004