Challenging Myths

It is 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 extinction! What we are dealing with now is potentially a big change in our climate that we ourselves have caused. Concentrations of heat trapping greenhouses gases in our atmosphere are now higher than they have been at any point in the last 800,000 years. Although this may not be new in relation to the history of the planet, it is entirely new in human history. It doesn't mean the world will end, but it could make the world a hostile place that cannot sustain life as we know it.

Scientists who question whether climate change is happening are now few and far between.

 

The majority of scientists are convinced that we are affecting the climate by the way that we live.

 

There are some changes that have happened which cannot be reversed. However, by acting now, we can reduce the risk of big changes occurring to our climate and reduce the impacts that we and future generations will experience.

 

In fact, every reduction in emissions that takes place, no matter where it occurs, makes a difference by not adding to the risk. Also, some countries like the UK are in a great position to give a positive example to the rest of the world. We do need other countries to join in, but if we can show that we can rise to the challenge successfully and make a real difference, others will follow.

 

Climate change may lead to a warmer climate overall in the UK. But the climate may also be unpredictable and extreme, which will unpleasant for many people. We may have warmer winters, but they are also likely to be wetter. And in the summer, excessive heat will cause problems for the elderly, the very young and those with health problems. Tackling climate change and helping to secure a more stable climate for ourselves will make life a lot more comfortable for us all in the end.