Climate change is the single biggest environmental threat facing the planet and is already causing serious problems for some of the poorest people in developing countries.

Read about the impacts of climate change in Scotland and visit our Second Life island to see the impacts around the world.

What causes climate change?

Stop climate chaos 3: Photo: FoE EWNIThere is an unprecedented consensus amongst international scientists that climate change is happening, and that humans are responsible for it.

Climate change and global warming are caused by increased levels of carbon dioxide (C0₂) and other polluting gases in our atmosphere.

These gases trap the sun’s heat by forming a blanket around the Earth, which acts like the glass of a greenhouse. Greenhouse gases are released by human activity, including cutting down forests and burning fossil fuels such as coal, oil and gas.

Once released, these greenhouse gases stay in the atmosphere for many years, causing the planet's temperature to rise as they build up.

The need for change

However, if we act now it's not too late to do something about this. By making changes in our own lives and asking our Government for strong legislation we can avoid the worst excesses of climate change.

Our work on climate change

Tackling climate change is at the root of all our campaigns. Find out more.

What you can do

Start taking action and support our campaigns. Have your say on climate change - add your comment below.