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What is climate change?
First published: 02/09/2025 -
Last updated: 02/09/2025 -
Verified by our Editorial Panel
Climate change is a global emergency. We’re already seeing its impact worldwide, from extreme heatwaves and drought to storms and wildfires. In Wales, we’ve experienced effects such as flooding, hotter temperatures and poor air quality.
When we talk about climate change we mean changes in long-term weather patterns driven by human activity. It's not a natural process. Carbon emissions – mostly from burning fossil fuels such as coal, oil and gas – build up in the atmosphere and trap the sun’s heat, raising global temperatures.
We need to come together and act now to address it.
Why take action?
Climate change affects all of us, and we need to take action now to limit and mitigate its effects. In doing so, we can improve many aspects of our lives in Wales:
Tackling the cost of living crisis
Extreme weather caused by climate change costs households money – in energy bills for heating and cooling, raised insurance costs and even higher food prices.
Providing a cleaner environment
Emissions from power generation, transport, industry and agriculture not only drive climate change – they pollute the air and land around us.
Improving our health
Climate change increases the risk of heat-related health conditions, respiratory issues from air pollution, and even new diseases arriving in the UK.
Creating new green jobs
The move to a green economy could create sustainable growth and jobs across Wales, in sectors such as renewable energy, infrastructure and manufacturing.
What can we do?
We can all get involved in tackling climate change. In Wales, we’ve pledged to reach net zero by 2050, cutting down emissions so that we release no more greenhouse gases into the atmosphere than we can take out. We must take bold action to achieve this goal – supporting each other in making positive changes to the way we live our lives. Together, we can make a difference.
Video length:
1 minute 29 seconds
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