THE UNITED Nations defines climate change as long-term shifts in temperatures and weather patterns. Some shifts may be natural, such as through variations in the solar cycle. But since the 1800s, human activities have been the main driver of climate change, primarily due to burning fossil fuels like coal, oil and gas, which generates greenhouse gas emissions that act like a blanket covering the planet, trapping the sun’s heat and raising temperatures.
Examples of greenhouse gas emissions that are causing climate change include carbon dioxide and methane. These come, for example, from driving petrol cars or burning coal for heating. Clearing land and forests can also release carbon dioxide. Landfills are also a major source of methane emissions.
While energy, industry, transport, buildings, agriculture and land use are among the main emitters of greenhouse gases, as individuals we can all contribute towards achieving the goal of net-zero carbon emissions set out by the COP26 summit.
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While questioning the tactics of Insulate Britain – the direct-action campaign group calling for a national programme, financed
