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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 - by cutting down forests
and from landfill and agriculture.
Concentrations of greenhouse gases, such as carbon dioxide and
methane, are rising. As levels go up, the temperature in the
atmosphere and oceans rises and weather patterns become less
predictable. This can cause death, disease and displacement - for
example the Earth Policy Institute has estimated that 35,000 people
in Europe died as a result of the heat wave in 2003, including 600
in London. The World Health Organisation has estimated that over
150,000 people in developing countries are now dying each year from
the effects of climate change, and by 2020 that figure will have
doubled.
What are the effects of Climate Change?
Changes to seasonal weather patterns with hotter and drier
summers and milder and wetter winters.
- This means that heat waves will become more common, impacting
on the very young and older people.
- Heavy rainfall will increase in intensity and a rise in sea
levels will cause more widespread local flooding. It has been
estimated that 3.5 million people in the UK could be at risk of
flooding - the annual bill from damage could be £25 billion;
- Catastrophic effects in the developing world including an
estimated 150 million refugees, and 300 million more at risk of
malaria;
- High winds will become more common and unique cyclones such as
the ones seen in Birmingham and London will become more
widespread.
The Nottingham Declaration on climate
change
Newham signs up to tackle climate
change |