Aerial shot of Haiti flooded after a major storm

Tackling climate change will be a defining challenge for the next decade and beyond. It will take extensive planning and far reaching-change; but it also presents a new opportunity to create exactly the kind of future we want to see, as we transform our society to achieve the goal of net zero emissions by the middle of this century at the latest.

Creating our shared, sustainable future starts with access to clear, accurate information that describes what we know about the causes and impacts of climate change, how we know it and what actions we can take in response. This resource is developed jointly by the Grantham Institute at Imperial College London and the Grantham Research Institute at London School of Economics and Political Sciences. It covers evidence and information on climate science, the economics of climate change, international climate action and the meaning of a just transition.

For more content on climate-related topics explore our background briefings.

FAQ categories

How do we know climate change is happening?

Humans are changing the planet’s climate and causing the global average temperature to rise. How do scientists know this is happening and what exactly causes it?
A man in high viz standing thigh deep in floodwater outside a house with a conservatory

What are the impacts of climate change?

How is the climate changing, and what does this mean for humans, plants and natural ecosystems? What is sea level rise and how will it affect coastal cities? And what about the impacts on the economy?
silhouettes of two firefighters tackling a forest fire.

How and when do we need to act on climate change?

Why is it urgent that governments act on climate change now? How do we meet the Paris Agreement? And what is a ‘net-zero’ emissions target?
Contracted workers clean Heliostats at the Ivanpah Solar Project

What are the world’s countries doing about climate change?

The world’s countries have all signed up to the Paris Agreement. But what does this actually mean, and are we on track to meet its goals? Should the UK set tough targets for climate action if other, bigger countries do less?
Man on a platform at sea looking out at offshore wind turbines

How will acting on climate change affect the economy?

We know we need to act on climate change to create a sustainable future. But climate action is also an opportunity to create a new, green economy. What economic benefits and costs does it bring?

How can acting to halt climate change be made ‘fair’?

Does tackling climate change stop countries developing? What is a ‘just transition’? And why do people talk about an ‘ethical obligation’ to act on climate change?
Scorched earth showing the aftermath of a grass fire in Epping Forest

How does climate change affect heatwaves?

Every heatwave in the world is now made stronger and more likely to happen because of human-caused climate change. But exactly how does climate change impact heatwaves, and how do scientists study this phenomena?

Firefighters tackle blaze in corn fire

How does climate change affect wildfires?

As climate change influences weather around the world, many regions are experiencing more frequent and severe wildfires, which can pose major risks to humans, wildlife and the environment. What is the link between climate change and wildfires, and what can policymakers do?
storm clouds above a tree in a tropical area

What is El Niño and how is it influenced by climate change?

El Niño brings warmer weather throughout the globe and can increase the risk of extreme weather. But what causes El Niño, and what affect can it have on global temperatures already rising due to human-caused climate change?
Globe in the form of a pocket watch swinging like a pendulum Play video
What is climate change? How does it impact people and planet? What can we do to tackle the climate crisis? This animation from the UK Universities Climate Network explains the science behind climate change, the impact that climate change is having on the

Climate Change: why it matters & what to do


What is climate change? How does it impact people and planet? What can we do to tackle the climate crisis?

This animation from the UK Universities Climate Network (UUCN) explains the science behind climate change, the impact that climate change is having on the natural world and societies, and what can be done about it.

Acknowledgements

This FAQ is a joint project between the Grantham Institute at Imperial College London and the Grantham Research Institute at London School of Economics.

Grantham Institute and GRI logos

 

 

[Image by UN Photo/Marco Dormino is licensed under CC BY-NC-ND 2.0]

Find more FAQs

To read more explainers on climate change economics and finance, energy policy and international climate action, see the FAQs published by the Grantham Research Institute at LSE.