Climate Change Explained

Most of the observed temperature increase since the middle of the 20th century was caused by increasing concentrations of greenhouse gases, which results from human activity such as fossil fuel burning and deforestation. Global dimming, a result of increasing concentrations of atmospheric aerosols that block sunlight from reaching the surface, has partially countered the effects of greenhouse gas induced warming.

An increase in global temperature will cause sea levels to rise and will change the amount and pattern of precipitation, probably including expansion of subtropical deserts. Warming is expected to be strongest in the Arctic and would be associated with continuing retreat of glaciers, permafrost and sea ice. Other likely effects include changes in the frequency and intensity of extreme weather events, species extinctions, and changes in agricultural yields. Warming and related changes will vary from region to region around the globe, though the nature of these regional variations is uncertain.

The scientific consensus is that anthropogenic global warming is occurring.[6][7][8][B] Nevertheless, political and public debate continues. The Kyoto Protocol is aimed at stabilizing greenhouse gas concentration to prevent a "dangerous anthropogenic interference".[9] As of November 2009, 187 states have signed and ratified the protocol.[10]

Climate Change in the UK
Climate Change Worldwide
Climate Change and how we contribute
Climate Change and how to Fight it
Climate Change and Carbon Offsetting

Evidence of climate change

Climate change in the UK

Climate change in the rest of the world

What's being done?

Home and the environment

These are Green myths that contribute to the causes of Climate Change sent in by email to darren@savingenergy.com

Traditional nappies (diapers) are as bad as disposables, a study by the Environment Agency found. While throwaway nappies make up 0.1 per cent of landfill waste, the cloth variety are a waste of energy, clean water and detergent

Paper bags cause more global warming than plastic. They need much more space to store so require extra energy to transport them from manufacturers to shops

Diesel trains in rural Britain are more polluting than 4x4 vehicles. Douglas Alexander, when Transport Secretary, said: “If ten or fewer people travel in a Sprinter [train], it would be less environmentally damaging to give them each a Land Rover Freelander and tell them to drive”.

Burning wood for fuel is better for the environment than recycling it, the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs discovered.

Organic dairy cows are worse for the climate. They produce less milk so their methane emissions per litre are higher.

Someone who installs a “green” light bulb undoes a year’s worth of Saving Energy by buying two bags of imported vegetables, as so much carbon is wasted flying the food to Britain.

Trees, regarded as shields against global warming because they absorb carbon, were found by German scientists to be major producers of methane, a much more harmful greenhouse gas.

Sent in by Mike Dunn from Redcar.

Mike's email says he got the details from a website he was visiting and thought it would be great to send it in.

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Please send your suggestions to darren@savingenergy.com