Climate change: evidence, effects and solutions

The Sun's radiation passes through the atmosphere and warms the Earth's surface.
The Earth gives off infrared radiation. Greenhouse gases (carbon dioxide, methane, water vapour) absorb some of this infrared and re-emit it, keeping the lower atmosphere warmer.
This natural effect makes Earth warm enough for life. Adding more greenhouse gases makes it stronger.

Carbon dioxide in the air has been measured directly since 1958 and has risen every year. It was about 280 ppm before the Industrial Revolution and is now over 420 ppm.
Ice cores trap old air bubbles, showing past carbon dioxide levels and temperatures.
Global average temperatures have risen by more than 1 °C since the late 1800s: the World Meteorological Organization reported 2025 as about 1.4 °C above pre-industrial levels. The rise in temperature correlates with the rise in carbon dioxide from burning fossil fuels and deforestation, and computer climate models only match the observed warming when human emissions are included.

Possible effects: rising sea levels (melting ice and expanding water), more extreme weather, changes to where species can live, effects on farming and food.
Reducing emissions: use renewable energy and nuclear power instead of fossil fuels; improve energy efficiency; carbon capture and storage; plant trees; reduce waste.
Methane comes from cattle, rice fields and landfill sites, so farming and waste changes help too.