What is Climate Change?

The Greenhouse Effect is a natural process, allowing life to exist on Earth. Solar energy reaching the Earth's surface is radiated back into the atmosphere. Much of this energy is trapped by 'greenhouse' gases in the atmosphere, such as carbon dioxide and methane, warming the Earth and sustaining life.

So What's the Problem?

Human activities since the industrial revolution have led to increasing levels of greenhouse gases, released through the burning of fossil fuels like coal, oil and gas. More greenhouse gases equals a warmer planet.

Global temperatures are rising and we are already seeing changes in weather patterns, such as increased frequency of storms, floods, heat waves, gales and droughts.

So, whilst it's true that climate change does occur naturally, most scientists are now agreed that the increased rate of change that we are now experiencing is due to human activities.

Both positive and negative effects of climate change are already being felt throughout Worcestershire's economy, environment and society. Mitigation through reducing greenhouse gases is vital to reduce further climate change and adaptation to the unavoidable impacts is essential.

What are We Doing?

Worcestershire County Council is recognised as a national leader and has spent many years working towards becoming a low carbon council.

	Climate Change Pledge The Worcestershire County Council and other organisations have signed up to the Worcestershire Climate Change Pledge, you can find out more about this on the Climate Change Pledge page.
	Reducing Carbon Emissions We have developed a Carbon Management Plan that will build on these successes over the following five years. you can find out more about the Carbon management plan in on Reducing Carbon Emissions page.
	Adapting to Climate Change We are working to assess the likely impacts of climate change on Worcestershire and are taking early steps to plan our services to minimise these impacts and disruptions to service delivery during severe weather events. Find out more about our Local Climate Impacts Profile and our plans to Adapt to climate change.