The earth’s climate is constantly changing – as a result of natural causes. However, the burning of fossil fuels is causing the climate to change, above and beyond natural causes.

The greenhouse effect

Greenhouse gases such as carbon dioxide, methane and water vapour occur naturally in the atmosphere. They allow the sun’s rays to pass through and warm the earth by trapping some of the heat that is radiated from the earth’s surface. Without this ‘greenhouse’ effect, the earth would be 30˚C cooler. However, with increasing concentrations of greenhouse gases in the atmosphere, the greenhouse effect is becoming enhanced and the earth’s climate is changing and becoming warmer.

Potential consequences of climate change in the future may include more abnormal weather patterns, extreme flooding and severe droughts.