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Isn’t the climate always changing anyway?

It’s true that natural changes in the world's climate have happened in the past – but it is sometimes overlooked that in extreme cases this resulted in mass extinctions. What is happening now is potentially a big change in the climate that humans have caused.

Carbon dioxide is a major heat-trapping greenhouse gas and its concentration in the atmosphere is now higher than at any point in the last 650,000 years. Although this is not new in the history of the planet, it is entirely new in human history, and could make the world such a hostile place that it cannot support life.

Is there scientific evidence for climate change?

Scientists have been commenting on the relationship between emissions of gases and the climate since the 1800s, and have worked with governments to do something about climate change for a long time.

In 1988, the UN set up the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) – a body of scientists from all parts of the world who assess the best available scientific and technical information on climate change.

Their 2007 report warned of an increase in average global temperatures ranging from 1.1 to 6.4 degrees Celsius by the end of this century, depending on future levels of emissions. It also said that changes to the climate were "very likely" (over 90 per cent probable, based on current science) the result of human activity.

• The Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change Opens new window

Does human activity really cause climate change?

The majority of scientists are convinced that humans are affecting the climate by the way they live. The Met Office Hadley Centre is the UK’s official centre for climate change research. They recently carried out a study that found today’s temperatures could only be the result of human activity.

Science has shown that greenhouse gases keep the earth warm, that there is evidence concentrations of these gases are increasing, and that humans are responsible for these increases by burning fossil fuels and cutting down forests.

• The causes of climate change

Isn’t it too late to make a difference?

The last report from the IPCC indicated that global emissions must peak in the next decade or two and then decline to well below current levels by the middle of the century if we are to avoid dangerous climate change. 

This is possible, and can be achieved with technologies that are available now. Putting off action to cut greenhouse gases will make it more difficult and costly to reduce emissions in the future, as well as creating higher risks of severe climate change impacts. 

Surely there's no point in me taking action?

Every reduction in emissions makes a difference by not adding to the risk. Countries like the UK are in a position to give a positive example to the rest of the world – if the UK can rise to the challenge successfully, others will follow.

• Greener living: a quick guide to what you can do

But won’t climate change make life more comfortable in the UK?

Climate change will lead to warmer winters, but temperatures will become uncomfortably hot in summer, and the climate may also be unpredictable and extreme. There's also the risk of rising sea levels and extreme weather like storms and floods. Tackling climate change and securing a more stable climate will make life a lot more comfortable.

It’s going to cost too much to tackle climate change though, isn’t it?

Tackling climate change needn’t damage the economy as a whole. Industry will have to adapt and jobs may change – but more may be created overall. Using less energy can also save companies and households money.

Not tackling climate change has a price too. The recent Stern report examines the economic impact of climate change. It estimates that not taking action could cost from five to 20 percent of global GDP every year, now and forever. In comparison, the cost of reducing emissions to avoid the worst impacts of climate change can be limited to around one per cent of global GDP each year.

• Read the Stern Report from HM Treasury Opens new window

More useful links

• People's attitudes to climate change Opens new window
• Climate change myths explored by the Met Office Opens new window
• Read more myths and facts from the Royal Society Opens new window