People in shorts walk through flooded streets in Indonesia

Climate change

What causes climate change?

Our planet is warmer now than at any point in the past 1,000 years, and levels of planet-warming greenhouse gases have rocketed in the past 100 years. This is largely due to humans burning coal, oil and gas, and cutting down forests.

If we don't stop doing these things, the planet will continue to heat up. Each degree of warming will bring more extreme weather, placing communities across the world at risk of wildfires, floods and droughts.

Residents overlooking a wildfire near their homes

Who does climate change affect?

Climate change is devastating people's lives all over the world. With drought, storms, floods, crop damage and sea-level rise, millions are fleeing their homes. And it's the world’s poorest who are hardest hit.

The UN Refugee Agency says climate change adds to many of today’s conflicts — from Somalia to Syria.

The effects will get worse as temperatures rise further. So we must cut greenhouse gas emissions to stop temperatures rising.

People also need protection from the climate change we can no longer avoid. That means financial support for developing countries and legal protection for climate refugees.

Is the UK prepared for climate change?

The climate crisis is wreaking havoc around the world, and it’s often the most vulnerable people who are worst impacted. Climate adaptation is about putting plans and actions in place to deal with these impacts. But according to the Climate Change Committee, the UK is "strikingly unprepared".

Find out more about what climate adaptation is, how the UK is unprepared, and why we're taking government to court over its adaptation plan.

A line of silver flood defence barriers on the River Thames

My money can make a difference 

Crowd of people outside raise their hands

Take local action

Local action groups are the local solution to a global crisis.

Right now people just like you are joining forces to make their towns and cities more climate friendly and ensure a green and fair recovery from the pandemic. And they're not alone. We provide every group with free webinars, resources and advice. It couldn't be simpler.

So, are you ready to join them?

Crowd of people outside raise their hands