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Climate refers to the average weather experienced over a long period, typically 30 years. The Earth’s climate has changed many times in response to natural causes. The term climate change usually refers to changes that have occurred since the early 1900s.
Natural and human factors both affect global climate. Natural causes include interactions between the ocean and the atmosphere, changes in the Earth's orbit and volcanic eruptions. Humans influence global climate by releasing greenhouse gases – like carbon dioxide and methane – into the atmosphere. These gases absorb energy that is radiated from the Earth’s surface, warming the atmosphere and increasing temperatures globally.
In 2007, the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC), the world’s most authoritative body on climate change, concluded that most of the observed increase in global average temperatures since the mid-20th century is very likely due to the observed increase in anthropogenic (man-made) greenhouse gas concentrations. For further information, click here.
How is global climate changing?
Temperatures have risen by about 0.74°C on average across the globe from 1906 to 2005. For further information, click here and the UKCIP briefing note on the warmest years in the UK and globally. The IPCC has more information on this in the FAQ here.
How is the UK’s climate changing?
Average temperatures have increased by 0.7°C in the UK since 1659. Summers have become hotter and drier; winters milder and wetter. See UK Climate Projections key findings and the Climate of the UK and recent trends report for more information.
Why is climate change so serious?
Changes as small as a 2°C global temperature rise will have serious impacts: rising sea levels, extreme events like droughts and heavy rainfall, leading to disruption to natural and man-made habitats. Communities across the UK may struggle to cope with the effects of warmer summers and wetter winters.
That’s why so much effort is being made to reduce greenhouse gas emissions to stop the most damaging climate change, known as mitigating climate change.
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