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Introduction to Climate Change

What is climate change and what can I do as an individual to address it?

The term 'climate change' refers to long-term shifts in temperatures and weather patterns. Some shifts may be natural, caused by variations in the solar cycle. However, since the 1800s, human activities have been the main catalyst of climate change, due to burning fossil fuels like coal, oil, and gas.

Greenhouse effect

Burning fossil fuels generates greenhouse gas emissions. These wrap around the Earth, trap the sun’s heat and raise temperatures. This is vital to support life on earth and without the greenhouse effect, the surface of the planet would be around 20°C colder.

Carbon dioxide and methane are examples of greenhouse gases. Energy production, industrial processes, transport, buildings, agriculture, and land use are among the main emitters of greenhouse gases. Some examples of human activities that cause emissions of these gases are:

  • cars fuelled by petrol or diesel
  • heating a building with coal
  • clearing land and forests
  • landfill for waste

Watch these videos for a quick overview of climate change and carbon footprints:

An introduction to climate change in 60 seconds

A quick overview of climate change from The Royal Society.

The impact of climate change

Greenhouse gas concentrations are at the highest levels in two million years and emissions are rising. The Earth is about 1.1°C warmer than the late 1800s and 2011-2020 was the warmest decade on record.

Temperature is only part of the story. Because the Earth is a connected system, changes in one area can cause changes in others.

These videos give a 10-minute overview of the current state of climate change:

Tackling climate change

There are steps you can take as an individual and collectively to address climate change.

Talking about climate change

One of the most important things you can do about climate change is to talk about it. ​People often trust their peers, family members, and loved ones more than they trust experts, scientists, and environmental organisations. ​

When you're talking about climate change with those who don’t share your views, remember that people can't communicate effectively when they feel threatened. Help people feel safe and heard and then find common ground.​

You could join the 26,000 climate conversations challenge or find out more about having impactful climate conversations:

Reducing your personal carbon footprint

To reduce your personal carbon footprint, some of the most impactful actions you can take are:

  • reducing meat consumption, particularly beef and lamb
  • limiting the number of flights you take, especially long-haul flights
  • buying fewer new things
  • reducing the amount you drive, if you have a car, or go car-free

You can also make an impact by voting, campaigning and lobbying, and shifting pensions, investments and banks to make sure your money isn’t going towards activities that cause climate change.

Take action at Bath

You’re part of a community of changemakers at the University of Bath and we each have a role to play.

Take a Carbon Literacy course to feel inspired and empowered to take climate action, reduce your carbon footprint and make a positive impact. The course is open to both staff and students.

Get involved with sustainability as a student.

Get involved with sustainability as a member of staff.

Students and staff standing around a table in a Climate Fresk workshop

Find out how we're playing our part to tackle climate change

Sustainable Bath

Contact us

If you have any questions about sustainability at Bath, get in touch.