Climate Change
Science of climate change
Climate is not the same as weather. It is long term, whereas weather is short term, like today, or this week.
Climate is a large, complex system which, like any system, can be affected by different things. By pushing more greenhouse gases into the atmosphere and so trapping heat which would otherwise escape into space, by doing this, we are pushing more energy into the system, and our climate produces weather patterns according to how much energy is in the system. This disturbs weather patterns, meaning we get hotter, drier, wetter, windier weather in different places at different times to usual.
The more greenhouse gases, the more the climate and the weather are affected. Human systems rely on the stability of natural systems in order for civilisation to function. To grow food, for one thing. When we disturb the climate and the weather, we risk disturbing our ability to eat.
Climate change is not just a global issue that will affect future generations in other parts of the world - it is happening now, and some of its effects can already be seen all across the world.
We all contribute to climate change through our use of electricity, heat and vehicle fuels, and there are actions that we can all take - as individuals, as householders, at school and at work - to cut the emissions that contribute to climate change.
Climate change is caused by increased levels of carbon dioxide (CO2) and other polluting gases in our atmosphere. The gases trap heat by forming a blanket around the Earth - like the glass of a greenhouse. Once released the greenhouse gases stay in the atmosphere for many years. As they build up, the planet's temperature rises.
Greenhouse gases are released by burning fossil fuels - coal, oil and gas - and by cutting down forests. As the Earth warms up, other processes - like the disappearance of ice and release of frozen methane - are helping push temperatures even higher.
Did you know?
The Earth is warming faster than it has for thousands of years. The 10 hottest years on record have happened since 1997. Your neighbourhood may not feel like a disaster movie today, but we're already seeing the impacts of global warming:
- Chaotic weather
- Rising sea levels
- Drought
- Mass extinction of species.
- Some of these effects are hitting the poorest people hardest - with flooded homes and failing harvests.
Most governments agree we shouldn't let the worst happen - and that means keeping average global temperatures to no more than 2 degrees above pre-industrial levels. You can help turn their words into action.
Want to learn more about Climate Change?
We've compiled a short list of some important information resources for you to take a look at. Climate change is one of the most important subjects today and will affect everybody on this planet.
Solarlec PV Solutions Ltd.
Solar Buildings, Caroline Court, Billington Road, Burnley,
BB11 5UB.
Solar Buildings, Caroline Court, Billington Road, Burnley,
BB11 5UB.
