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1. The scientific evidence is conclusive Climate change
2.
‘Climate’ is the long-term atmospheric conditions, ‘weather’ varies constantly
Changes in climate are natural: e.g. after the last ice age (11,500 years ago) global temperatures were 5°C lower than now
BUT we are now experiencing temperature rises at unprecedented speed
Scientists believe that human activities are responsible
3. Climate change facts
Europe’s temperatures have risen by 1°C since 1850
Another 1.2°C could mean irreversible, large-scale and potentially catastrophic environmental change
4. Climate change facts Extreme weather events – storms, floods, droughts and heat waves – becoming more frequent and more severe
90% of natural disasters in Europe since 1980 caused by weather and climate
5. Climate change facts
Europe’s glaciers have lost two-thirds of their mass since 1850 – and the trend is accelerating
Polar ice is melting and sea levels are rising at double the rate of 50 years ago
Millions of people around the globe threatened with water shortages, hunger and poverty
8. What’s the cause?
Humans are pumping more ‘greenhouse gases’ into the atmosphere
The atmosphere acts like the glass walls of a greenhouse
Natural greenhouse gases help retain heat – without them, temperatures would be 30°C lower
But man-made greenhouse gases emissions up 70% since 1970, meaning more heat trapped
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10. Greenhouse gases
11. Where’s the evidence? The leading scientific authority on climate change is the United Nations Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC).
Coordinates findings of 2,500 experts all round the globe
4th Assessment Report (AR4) published November 2007
AR4 represents 6 years of research and analysis
Cautious and rigorous scientific approach to its conclusions
Nobel Peace Prize winner in 2007
12. Findings of 4th Assessment Report
Conclusive evidence that global warming is due to human activity
If temperatures rise by more than 2°C, the effects could be sudden and irreversible
We still have time to slow down or adapt to climate change
Many useful technologies already exist, and make good economic sense
… but urgent action is needed now!
13. What are governments doing? Governments work together under the UN framework convention on climate change
The current agreement, the Kyoto Protocol, sets binding emissions targets for developed countries
Negotiations are under way for a follow-up – to be agreed in December 2009 in Copenhagen
14. The European Union is a pioneer in the battle against climate change
EU countries have set targets for 2020 to:
Cut emissions by 20% (or 30% if agreed globally)
Increase energy efficiency by 20%
Generate 20% of energy from renewable sources
The EU is pushing for an ambitious new global pact to reduce emissions
15. What can you do?
Simple everyday actions play a major role in the fight against climate change
So…
Recycle
Save hot water by taking a shower instead of a bath (four times less energy)
Plant a tree, at school, in your garden or neighbourhood
17. What can you do?
Use public transport, cycle, walk
Don’t leave appliances on stand-by – use the on/off function of the machine
Don’t leave you mobile charger plugged in when you are not charging your phone
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www.climatechange.eu.com