The earth is heating up, affecting world-wide weather patterns and sea levels.
Scientists agree that human activity is the main cause of the climate changes we are experiencing. Burning fossil fuels (including coal, oil and natural gas) for energy releases greenhouse gases. These greenhouse gases trap heat in the atmosphere, causing global temperatures to rise. Clearing land and destroying large areas of forestry are adding to the problem.
The changes we are seeing as a result of this include extreme flooding, heatwaves and droughts. This is affecting people across the world as well as right here in Chesterfield.
We need to protect the health, wellbeing and livelihoods of our communities by reducing our greenhouse gas emissions and adapting to our changing climate. We are already beginning to see the impacts of climate change here in Chesterfield so we have to take action now.
Here are some useful links if you want to know more about climate change: