Global warming is an average increase in the temperature of the atmosphere near the Earth's surface and in the troposphere, which can contribute to changes in global climate patterns.
Global warming can occur from a variety of causes, both natural and human induced. In common usage, "global warming" often refers to the warming that can occur as a result of increased emissions of greenhouse gases from human activities.
The term climate change is often used interchangeably with the term global warming, "the phrase 'climate change' is growing in preferred use to 'global warming' because it helps convey that there are [other] changes in addition to rising temperatures."
Tackling climate change is one of the biggest and most urgent challenges faced by this generation, and there are many ways you can make a difference. The first step is to understand exactly what climate change is. Click here for a climate change overview.
Every day, more and more people are taking actions to help reduce carbon emissions and tackle other environmental problems. Here are some ideas about how you can have a greener living.
There is very strong evidence that humans are changing the climate with their actions, through emissions of greenhouse gases like carbon dioxide and methane. In the UK, 40 per cent of emissions are caused by individuals, mostly from energy used in the home, driving and air travel. View some of the effects of climate change here.
Climate change is a big threat to the future of life on the planet. Already in the UK, coastal waters have warmed and temperatures have risen. Globally, sea levels and temperatures are predicted to rise further, and extreme weather is expected to become more common. View some of the causes of climate change here.
