Home > Climate Safe > What is climate change
Climate change or global warming is caused by increased levels of carbon dioxide (CO2) and other polluting gases in our atmosphere.
The gases trap heat by forming a blanket around the Earth - like the glass of a greenhouse. The greenhouse gases stay in the atmosphere for many years. As they build up, the planet's temperature rises.
Heat from the Sun (a) is trapped by the gases in our atmosphere (b)
Greenhouse gases are released by burning fossil fuels - coal, oil and gas. These fuels are used in industry, cars and aeroplanes and for heating our homes and businesses
If we don’t take action, we’ll see freakier weather every year. Millions in the UK will be at risk of flooding. Billions worldwide will face droughts and violent storms. The world’s poor will be the worst hit and we could lose some of our favourite wildlife species too.
