Climate crisis

It's undeniable - we are responsible for the climate crisis. Many impacts are irreversible, and our planet is hurtling towards catastrophic global warming temperatures. It's time to act - here's what you need to know.

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A seabird covered in pollution, crouching in distress in the dirt

We are running out of time.

The evidence is undeniable – human activity is responsible for warming the atmosphere, oceans and land in ways unprecedented in hundreds or thousands of years.

The climate crisis is already impacting the entire planet. We are experiencing rapid changes in climate, melting polar ice and glaciers, sea-level rise, heatwaves, floods and droughts - with the worse yet to come.

Many of these changes are now inevitable and irreversible for centuries to millennia.

We have a stark warning- the world's global temperature will reach 1.5C above pre-industrial levels, breaching the 'danger' limit of the 2015 Paris Agreement as soon as the early 2030s. This is the 'best case' scenario—alternative scientific projections for future warming range from scary to unimaginable.

We are at a tipping point in human history.  Only drastic cuts in greenhouse gas emissions this decade can prevent us from rising global temperatures to a disastrous extent.

The time to act is now.

World-leading insights

Our University is playing a vital role in the climate crisis. 

We are one of the largest and most successful groups of researchers delivering crucial research on the science of climate change, its impacts and risks, and options for adaption and mitigation.  

Many of our researchers are pioneers in their field, with their work underpinning some of the most important international policy decisions in history.

Therefore, we are keen to highlight some of our most significant insights with you.  From individuals and local communities to international world leaders – everyone needs to understand the reality of climate change and what we can do about it.

Each section breaks down the essential points you need to know.

The latest United Nations IPCC (AR6) report is the most sobering assessment ever on the climate crisis - with major changes already inevitable and irreversible.
Here's what you need to know...

The case for urgent climate action is clearer than ever before. So what are we doing about it? Find out how we play a vital role in climate research and action worldwide, including the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC).

The IPCC reports are a really big deal for climate change. So what are they? And why should we trust them?

After two weeks of intense climate change negotiations – what is the verdict on COP26?

We have also made significant contributions to Special Reports released by the IPCC, which are guiding policies around the world.

Our research detecting the human fingerprint in observed climate change and extremes helped underpin the UN Paris Agreement on climate change and resulting policies worldwide.

Want to know more?

We've provided some useful links for you.  To see the information, simply click on each heading below: