What causes climate change?

We promise this won't take long

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

The gases trap heat by forming a blanket around the Earth - like the glass of a greenhouse.

Once released the greenhouse gases stay in the atmosphere for many years. As they build up, the planet's temperature rises.

Greenhouse gases are released by burning fossil fuels - coal, oil and gas - and by cutting down forests.

Nearly all of the CO₂ emitted by western industrialised countries come from burning coal, oil and gas for energy.

Globally as well as in the UK, electricity generation is the biggest source of CO₂ emissions, amounting to over a third.

But who causes it?

It's simple. We all do. At home, work and play.