What Is Climate Change?
un.org/en/climatechange/what-is-climate-change
Climate change refers to long-term shifts in temperatures and weather patterns. These
shifts may be natural, such as through variations in the solar cycle. But since the 1800s,
human activities have been the main driver of climate change, primarily due to burning
fossil fuels like coal, oil and gas.
Burning fossil fuels generates greenhouse gas emissions that act like a blanket wrapped
around the Earth, trapping the sun’s heat and raising temperatures.
Examples of greenhouse gas emissions that are causing climate change include carbon
dioxide and methane. These come from using gasoline for driving a car or coal for heating
a building, for example. Clearing land and forests can also release carbon dioxide. Landfills
for garbage are a major source of methane emissions. Energy, industry, transport, buildings,
agriculture and land use are among the main emitters.
Greenhouse gas concentrations are at their highest levels in 2 million
years
And emissions continue to rise. As a result, the Earth is now about 1.1°C warmer than it
was in the late 1800s. The last decade (2011-2020) was the warmest on record.
Many people think climate change mainly means warmer temperatures. But temperature
rise is only the beginning of the story. Because the Earth is a system, where everything is
connected, changes in one area can influence changes in all others.
giving example (such as)
The consequences of climate change now include, among others, intense droughts, water
scarcity, severe fires, rising sea levels, flooding, melting polar ice, catastrophic storms and
declining biodiversity.
People are experiencing climate change in diverse ways
Climate change can affect our health, ability to grow food, housing, safety and work. Some
of us are already more vulnerable to climate impacts, such as people living in small island
nations and other developing countries. Conditions like sea-level rise and saltwater
intrusion have advanced to the point where whole communities have had to relocate, and
protracted droughts are putting people at risk of famine. In the future, the number of
“climate refugees” is expected to rise.
Every increase in global warming matters
In a series of UN reports, thousands of scientists and government reviewers agreed that
limiting global temperature rise to no more than 1.5°C would help us avoid the worst
climate impacts and maintain a livable climate. Yet based on current national climate plans,
global warming is projected to reach around 3.2°C by the end of the century.
The emissions that cause climate change come from every part of the world and affect
everyone, but some countries produce much more than others. The 100 least-emitting
countries generate 3 per cent of total emissions. The 10 countries with the largest
emissions contribute 68 per cent. Everyone must take climate action, but people and
countries creating more of the problem have a greater responsibility to act first.
We face a huge challenge but already know many solutions
Many climate change solutions can deliver economic benefits while improving our lives and
protecting the environment. We also have global frameworks and agreements to guide
progress, such as the Sustainable Development Goals, the UN Framework Convention on
Climate Change and the Paris Agreement. Three broad categories of action are: cutting
emissions, adapting to climate impacts and financing required adjustments.
Switching energy systems from fossil fuels to renewables like solar or wind will reduce the
emissions driving climate change. But we have to start right now. While a growing coalition
of countries is committing to net zero emissions by 2050, about half of emissions cuts
must be in place by 2030 to keep warming below 1.5°C. Fossil fuel production must decline
by roughly 6 per cent per year between 2020 and 2030.
Adapting to climate consequences protects people, homes, businesses, livelihoods,
infrastructure and natural ecosystems. It covers current impacts and those likely in the
future. Adaptation will be required everywhere, but must be prioritized now for the most
vulnerable people with the fewest resources to cope with climate hazards. The rate of
return can be high. Early warning systems for disasters, for instance, save lives and
property, and can deliver benefits up to 10 times the initial cost.
We can pay the bill now, or pay dearly in the future
Climate action requires significant financial investments by governments and businesses.
But climate inaction is vastly more expensive. One critical step is for industrialized
countries to fulfil their commitment to provide $100 billion a year to developing countries
so they can adapt and move towards greener economies.
Learn more about…
The science
See the latest climate reports from the United Nations as well as climate action facts.
Causes and Effects
Fossil fuels are by far the largest contributor to the greenhouse gas emissions that cause
climate change, which poses many risks to all forms of life on Earth. Learn more.
The global talks
Learn about the Paris Agreement on climate change (including a take from Aidan
Gallagher).
From the Secretary-General
Net zero
What is net zero? Why is it important? Our net-zero page explains why we need steep
emissions cuts now and what efforts are underway.
Renewable energy – powering a safer future
What is renewable energy and why does it matter? Learn more about why the shift to
renewables is our only hope for a brighter and safer world.
Five ways to jump-start the renewable energy transition now
UN Secretary-General outlines five critical actions the world needs to prioritize now to
speed up the global shift to renewable energy.
Finance
How will the world foot the bill? We explain the issues and the value of financing climate
action.
Adaptation
What is climate adaptation? Why is it so important for every country? Find out how we can
protect lives and livelihoods as the climate changes.
Sustainable Development Goals
Climate action is a global goal. And it contributes to all other SDGs. Learn more.
