Climate change explained in a really simple guide.

Human activities, mainly the burning of fossil fuels, are driving a long-term rise in global temperatures, and 2024 was recorded as the hottest year, with that calendar year exceeding 1.5C above pre-industrial levels.

Climate change refers to long-term shifts in the Earth's average temperatures and weather patterns. Over roughly the last century the world has warmed quickly and recent decades have been successively warmer. Scientists say human activities, especially burning coal, oil and gas, are the main cause of the recent rapid warming. In 2024 the planet recorded its highest surface temperatures on record, and that year was the first calendar year to exceed 1.5C above late 1800s levels. Main points: - Human-caused emissions of greenhouse gases, mainly carbon dioxide from fossil fuels, have driven the recent rapid rise in global temperatures. - Atmospheric CO2 levels have risen sharply since the Industrial Revolution, and the chemical signature of this CO2 matches fossil fuel sources. - 2024 was the hottest year on record and surpassed 1.5C in the calendar-year measure; long-term warming in 2024 was reported at about 1.34–1.41C. - Nations have set net zero goals and meet annually to discuss climate commitments; COP30 in 2025 closed without new fossil fuel or deforestation agreements, and COP31 is scheduled for November 2026 in Turkey. Summary: Warming at or above these levels is linked to more frequent and intense extremes, and many communities around the world are already experiencing significant impacts. Governments have committed to reducing emissions and to net zero targets, but global emissions remain high and long-term warming will depend on future policies and actions. COP31 in November 2026 will be the next major international meeting on climate commitments.