Tackling climate change
WWF is taking a strong lead in finding solutions to the threat of climate change in the UK, the EU and globally. We are also developing solutions that address the unavoidable effects of climate change, helping to protect what our conservation work has already achieved.
If average global temperatures rise more than 2°C above the level recorded in pre-industrial times, the consequences for people and nature will be devastating.
As many as 30% of all species of animals and plants could be lost. And millions of people, particularly those in communities which are vulnerable to impacts such as rising sea levels, will be affected. With the world currently on course for warming of 4-6°C this century, the changes could be even more catastrophic unless we act now.
To keep warming below 2°C and so avoid the worst consequences of climate change, global greenhouse gas emissions must be cut by around 80% from 1990 levels by the middle of the century. Key to this is securing a fair global deal to tackle climate change and driving fast and strong emissions reductions globally but also nationally.
Securing an international agreement
WWF is focused on ensuring that a new and ambitious international agreement on climate change is agreed at the UN conference in Copenhagen in December 2009.
UK climate change legislation
In the UK, we have campaigned for the introduction of effective UK and Scottish climate change legislation – key opportunities to ensure this country delivers its fair share of global emissions reductions.
Reducing energy emissions
We have continued to campaign for a rapid emissions reduction in the energy sector.
Adapting to climate change
Whatever we do now, global warming of 1.6-1.8°C will take place. With climate change impacts now inevitable, WWF is working to help people and nature adapt wherever possible.
Join WWF's Earth Hour 2009
To galvanise mass public support for a strong global deal to tackle climate change, WWF is organising Earth Hour 2009 – an international event that calls on people everywhere to switch off their lights for one hour.
NASA's top climate scientist comments
Dr James Hansen is NASA’s top climate scientist and a leading spokesman on climate change issues both in the US and internationally. He has consistently challenged governments to take into account the latest science when formulating climate change policy.