Climate change

Climate change is the greatest threat facing the planet, with rising temperatures causing more droughts, floods and storms and causing sea levels to rise.

Most scientists agree that climate change is largely due to human activity, mainly the increased use of fossil fuels. The main human influence on global climate is likely to be emissions of greenhouse gases such as carbon dioxide (CO2) and methane. At present, about 6.5 billion tonnes of CO2 is emitted globally each year, mostly through burning coal, oil and gas for energy.

The potential consequences of climate change are profound, particularly on people in the less developed countries. The question is therefore not whether climate change is happening, but what to do about it. The answer lies in a double strategy. We need to reduce emissions of greenhouse gases, which will mean altering how we live and do business. We also need to realistically assess the implications of the changes that are already upon us and adapt accordingly.

Carbon dioxide emissions from the burning of fossil fuels are causing the Earth’s climate to change and warm, which will have catastrophic results if we do not act to reduce them. Carbon dioxide emissions are about 40% higher than they were before the Industrial Revolution and at their highest levels in recorded history.

The effects of climate change can be seen now. Temperatures are already increasing, glaciers are receding at unprecedented speeds, whole chunks of the Antarctic ice shelf are breaking off, warmer seasons are becoming longer, and storms are becoming more severe and causing more and more damage.

Carbon dioxide emissions are a global problem, so reducing a ton of CO2 anywhere has the same climate change benefit as doing so in your backyard. Also, no technology is inherently better than another: wind is not better than solar, renewables are not better than energy efficiency. Each ton of CO2 reduced is the same as any other ton.

Fighting climate change is about reducing carbon dioxide emissions globally.