Climate Change Myths
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.
It’s true that natural changes in the world's climate have happened in the past. However, in extreme cases this is thought to have contributed to mass extinctions. What is happening now is potentially a big change in the Earth's climate, 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.
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 emissions must:
- peak in the next decade or two
- and then 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.
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.