Climate change Climate change is a reality. If current trends continue, the global temperature is likely to become higher than at any time in the past two million years, with catastrophic effects on the environment. The increase in global temperatures cannot be explained by natural variations and there is now broad scientific consensus that humans are largely responsible for climate change. The choices we make today will decide the climate of the future. "It's very important to understand that climate change is not just another issue in this complicated world of proliferating issues. Climate change is THE issue which, unchecked, will swamp all other issues." - Ross Gelbspan, author of Boiling Point.       Why is climate change happening? We have been burning fossil fuels such as oil, coal and gas for our energy needs for hundreds of years. As economies have grown so too has the consumption of fossil fuels. Burning these fossil fuels releases the global warming gas carbon dioxide into the atmosphere. Other, even more potent, greenhouse gases such as methane are also playing a role. Plus, massive deforestation is happening, which is accelerating climate change. It’s worth remembering that the biggest contributor to climate change is the carbon dioxide that is emitted from power stations. So if you're still getting your electricity from a carbon dinosaur then why not switch to a renewable energy provider? It’s easy to switch and in most cases won’t cost you a penny more than you are currently paying! The Green Providers Directory recommends Ecotricity and Good Energy.                                     Key facts about climate change Burning fossil fuels releases gasses such as carbon dioxide into the atmosphere, creating a 'greenhouse effect' and trapping heat. Carbon dioxide concentrations in the atmosphere are at their highest in 150,000 years. The last decade has been the warmest decade in history. If our greenhouse gas emissions are not brought under control, the speed of climate change over the next hundred years will be faster than anything known since before the dawn of civilisation.