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The climate is always changing anyway

There is more carbon dioxide in the atmosphere now than at any time in at least the last 800,000 years

The Earth's climate has always changed naturally in the past. But what is happening now is potentially a big change in the Earth's climate, this time caused mainly by human activity.

Carbon dioxide is a major heat-trapping greenhouse gas. Its concentration in the atmosphere is now higher than at any time in at least the last 800,000 years. Although this is not new in the history of the planet, it is entirely new in human history. It is expected to have a negative impact on many ecosystems and humans across the world.

There's no scientific evidence for climate change

Scientists have been commenting on the relationship between emissions of gases and the climate since the 1800s. They 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). The IPCC is a body of scientists from all parts of the world who assess the best available scientific and technical information on climate change.

The IPCC's 2007 Fourth Assessment Report warned of a rise in average global temperatures. This rise could be from 1.1 to 6.4 degrees Celsius above 1980-1999 levels by the end of this century, depending on future levels of emissions. Based on current science, the report said that recent temperature increases were very likely (over 90 per cent probable) the result of human activity.

• The Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change Opens new window

• IPCC assessment reports Opens new window

Climate change isn't caused by human activity

Nearly all climate scientists are convinced that humans are affecting the climate by the way we live

Based on a vast amount of evidence, nearly all climate science experts are convinced that humans are affecting the climate by the way they live. The Met Office Hadley Centre is one of the world's leading centres for climate change research. It found that recent temperature rises and key changes in the Earth's environment could not be explained by natural climate change alone. Human activity is mainly responsible.

Scientific research and careful observation has shown that the concentration of greenhouse gases, which keep the earth warm, is increasing. People are responsible for these increases by, for example, burning fossil fuels and cutting down forests.

Over 40 per cent of CO2 emissions in the UK come directly from what people do - for example, using electricity in the home and driving cars. If every home installed the recommended amount of loft insulation, it would save 3.8 tonnes of CO2. This is the same as the emissions of about 650,000 homes in one year.

• Causes of climate change

It's too late to make a difference

The last report from the IPCC in 2007 said that, if the world is to avoid dangerous climate change, global greenhouse gas emissions must:

• peak within the next decade or two
• decline rapidly to well below current levels by the middle of the century

This is still possible, and may be achieved with technologies that are available now. Putting off action to cut greenhouse gases will make it increasingly difficult and expensive to reduce emissions in the future. It will also create higher risks of severe climate change impacts.

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

Cutting my carbon footprint will affect my lifestyle

There are many small and simple things you can do that will contribute to big reductions in carbon emissions. Many actions will have little to no effect on your lifestyle - for example:

• turning off the lights when you leave a room
• switching appliances off at the mains
• turning your thermostat down one degree

For more ideas on easy ways to cut your carbon footprint, see 'Top tips on saving energy'.

Climate change will 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.

• Effects of climate change

It would cost too much to tackle climate change

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 (gross domestic product) every year, now and forever. In comparison, reducing emissions to avoid the worst impacts of climate change could cost 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 facts explored by the Met Office Opens new window

• Read more myths and facts from the Royal Society Opens new window