The climate of the earth continuously changes due to natural processes. However the changes we have seen over recent years and those which are predicted to happen over the next 80 years are believed to be mainly caused by human behaviour rather than by natural changes in the atmosphere.

WHAT IS CLIMATE CHANGE?

Climate change is caused by emissions of pollutants which increase the so called ‘greenhouse effect’, by which gases in the atmosphere create a ‘blanket’ or warming effect by limiting the ability of heat to be radiated out into space. Water vapour has some part in the greenhouse effect. However, it is increases in carbon dioxide, methane, ozone and halocarbons that have been the greatest cause of climate change. All these four gases have increased over the past 300 years as a direct result of industrialization and population growth. Stern review the most comprehensive research carried out on the economics of climate change was launched in the UK on October 2006.

Tomorrow’s climate – today’s challenge

The UK has shown, and continues to show, international leadership in efforts to understand and tackle climate change. The Prime Minister is committed to creating a low carbon economy, based on new forms of energy generation such as fuel cells, offshore wind and tidal power, and to the Government’s target of a 60 per cent reduction of carbon dioxide emissions from current levels by 2050.

HOW CAN YOU GET INVOLVED?

ZeroCarbonCity is British Council’s global campaign to inform people about climate change and the energy challenges facing the world’s cities. As a part of the campaign we present NorthSouthEastWest photo exhibition, quizzes, on-line lessons on climate change, collection of the books and video.

For more infromation contact:

Dr. Victor Kyrylenko,
Science, Environment and Technology Manager,

British Council
4/12 Hryhoriya Skovorody St.
Kyiv 04070

T: (+380 44) 490 5600
F: (+380 44) 490 5605

Victor.Kyrylenko@britishcouncil.org.ua