Climate change refers to long-term shifts in temperatures and weather patterns that affect the whole planet. These shifts can be natural, such as due to variations in the solar cycle. But since the industrial revolution of the 18th century, human activities have been its main driver, primarily due to burning fossil fuels like coal, oil and gas.

Burning fossil fuels creates 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 cause climate change include carbon dioxide and methane. These originate from, for example, gasoline and diesel fuel used in cars and lorries, and coal and oil used in heating buildings. Clearing land and forests can also release carbon dioxide. Landfills for burying waste are a major source of methane emissions. Energy, industry, transport, buildings, agriculture and land use are among the main emitters.

And emissions continue to rise. Consequently, 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 refers to 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 others.

The consequences of climate change now include intense droughts, water scarcity, severe fires, rising sea levels, flooding, melting polar ice, catastrophic storms and declining biodiversity.

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 related climate hazards.

The rate of return from mitigating the effects of climate change can be high. For example, early warning systems for disasters can save lives and property, and can deliver benefits far exceeding the cost of implementation.

The Climate Change Channel looks at all of this and more, mapping a route out of the current trajectory of potential disaster for our planet.