Climate change solutions
There's still time to bring our world back to life. Here's what we're doing and what you can do to help.
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Global solutions to climate change
We need urgent and strong action worldwide to prevent further global warming and reduce the impacts of climate change. Every fraction of a degree of warming avoided will save lives and protect nature that would otherwise be lost. To achieve this, we will need to use the full range of available solutions to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and limit any further warming. We also need to ensure we are prepared for the climate impacts that have been caused by the effects of warming so far. The solutions may seem difficult, but there is hope. The latest global tipping point report* shows how we can adopt solutions that have a lasting, positive, and permanent change.
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© Global Warming Images / WWFMore Energy Transition
- Phase out the use of dirty fossil fuels. By switching to renewable energy, we reduce emissions and improve air quality. In 2024, renewables were the most cost-effective option for new electricity generation worldwide. [1]
- Support widespread use of renewable energy by investing in smarter energy grids and battery storage, so that renewable power is available anytime, not just when the sun shines or the wind blows.
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© Silas Ismael / WWF-BrazilMore Nature
- Protect forests, wetlands, peatlands and oceans from climate change and other pressures. Earth’s land and seas have absorbed roughly half of all greenhouse gas emissions from the atmosphere so far. These environments can only continue to help us if we protect them.
- By protecting healthy ecosystems, they do not just store carbon, they support local livelihoods, protect us from extreme weather, and support vibrant wildlife.
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© David Bebber / WWF-UKMore Farming and food system
- Adopt sustainable farming practices that improve soil health and reduce emissions. One example is using agroforestry, a land management approach where trees and shrubs are planted within farmlands to give healthier soil and higher yields
- Ensure products and agricultural commodities come from land that has not been deforested or where natural ecosystems have not been converted or cleared.
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© pexels Tom FiskMore Low-carbon technology in key sectors
- Use energy in the most efficient way across different sectors.
- Develop and implement low-carbon technologies in buildings, transport and industry.
- Shift from using petrol and diesel vehicles to electric vehicles, but just as importantly, embrace public and active forms of transport.
- Cut emissions associated with international aviation and shipping.
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© ShutterstockMore Circular economy
- Promote a circular economy that encourages recycling, buying second hand, reusing products and minimising waste. In doing so, it will reduce emissions associated with manufacturing products.
- Introduce policies that reduce single-use products.
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© David Bebber / WWF-UKMore Consumption
- Encourage sustainable choices in daily life, such as buying fewer unnecessary items, adopting plant-based diets, buying second-hand clothing and flying less.
- To do so, sustainable choices need to be made easier and more affordable, like energy efficient appliances.
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*A combination of the latest research around negative tipping points in global systems and how we can use positive tipping points to accelerate climate action. WWF-UK were among the 160 contributing authors to this landmark piece of work.
Where change needs to happen
International Collaboration
Tackling a global crisis like climate change is not only about individual choices or new technologies. It also needs bold decisions from governments to drive a systemic shift on both the global and national level.
International agreements like the Paris Agreement bring countries together under a shared goal and ambition. The widely accepted aim of the Paris Agreement is to limit global temperature increase to 1.5ºC. The Paris Agreement has already driven significant global progress: current policies and actions mean we are on track for 2.7°C of global temperature increase, down from roughly 4°C when the Paris Agreement was put in place. [2] [3]
Each year, countries meet at UN climate conferences (COPs) to review progress and agree on stronger climate actions. Countries are also working together through platforms like the UN to deliver technological and financial support for populations most vulnerable to climate impacts, who are often those who emit the least greenhouse gases and the least responsible for the climate crisis.
Domestic policy
National policies are where global commitments translate into real-world changes. Many countries, including the UK, have set up legally binding targets to be net zero by 2050. These laws hold governments accountable and give businesses long-term certainty.
Moving to a net zero economy is not only vital for tackling climate change, it also unlocks significant sustainable opportunities for economic growth. [4]
What WWF-UK is doing
Our areas of work
Over the 60 years we’ve been around we’ve seen the devastating impact that climate change is having on our one shared home.
It can feel overwhelming, but by working as part of a global network with people, governments and business across the world, we’ve also seen that there’s hope. That's why we work with policy makers, businesses and the finance sector to drive real change.
Together, we can create a better future for people, nature and wildlife.
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© pexels Kelly LacyMore Working on policies
We're working with governments in England, Scotland and Wales to bring forward policies that will reduce the UK's emissions and bring us in line with our national and international climate targets. We also work in the UN space to push for a stronger climate ambition globally.
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© saulo-mohanaMore Working with businesses
We’re partnering with businesses to conduct research, foster innovation, create change, and reduce their impact on the planet. For example, we are actively working with businesses to reduce the carbon footprint of homes across the UK and address the cost-of-living crisis by bringing down our energy bills.
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© Dimitry AnikinMore Working with finance
We're advocating for the greening of the global financial system, ensuring that it finances the global transition to a net zero and nature-positive economy, as well as encouraging nature-friendly farming and land use, both nationally and internationally.
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Our projects
Here are just a handful of projects we are working on to protect the climate and the wildlife that calls this planet home.
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© WWF-ChinaSafeguarding the habitat of the giant panda
In the Meigu Dafengding National Nature Reserve, habitat fragmentation remains one of the biggest obstacles to the recovery of the giant panda population. The local communities have historically needed to gather firewood from the forest on a daily basis, as their primary fuel source. This has gradually worn down this fragile ecosystem. Overharvesting has damaged forests and further fragmented panda habitats, affecting the 22 wild giant pandas that live here. Over the past decade, about 1,400 energy efficient cookstoves have been built in Meigu County. They require less fuel, saving 13,272 tons of firewood annually, reducing CO₂ emissions by 25,312 tons, and protecting 2,94 hectares of forest each year.
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© Greg Armfield / WWF-UKWorking on wholescapes
WWF is piloting Wholescape in England, Scotland, and Wales. Wholescape seeks sustainable solutions across land, rivers, coasts, and seas, in collaboration with local communities. Our innovative approach tackles the nature and climate crises by considering the interconnectedness of natural and human systems.
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© Jona Sanchez / ShutterstockSatellite tagging hawksbill turtles
In early 2025, we undertook a month-long expedition, alongside volunteers from the local community, to satellite tag 10 critically endangered hawksbill turtles – the first ones ever satellite tagged in Fiji. Hawksbill turtles play a crucial role in maintaining the health of coral reefs. They are the only marine turtle that can survive mainly on sponges as their distinctive beak-like mouth allows them to reach into holes and crevices in the reefs to reach them. If left unchecked, these fast-growing sponges can overtake a reef and smother the coral. We need data on these migration routes and a better understanding of where they forage in order to more effectively protect them and their food sources.
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© Lewis Jefferies / WWF-UKPlanting seagrass
Seagrass provides a home for a vast array of sea life, but did you know it can also help in the fight against climate change?
Seagrass globally accounts for 10-18% of total ocean carbon storage despite occupying less than 0.1% of ocean floor, making it an incredible tool in the fight against climate change.
Alongside a number of partners, WWF-UK has planted over 10ha of seagrass in England, Wales, and Scotland - fighting climate change and providing a home for marine life.
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© Marizilda Cruppe / WWF-UKProtecting the amazon rainforest
The Amazon is home to millions of people and species, and it’s also one of our biggest allies in fighting climate change – but it’s being destroyed. With your help, we are supporting Indigenous peoples and local communities by providing drone technology and training. The drones are used as a tool to help monitor protected areas, deforestation alerts and land grabbing – helping to protect their home and the trees that are vital in fighting climate change.
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How you can help
Contribute to the climate recovery fund
100% of every pound you donate goes directly towards forward-thinking projects focused on the four areas where we can collectively have the greatest impact:
- The Amazon
- Polar regions
- Forests
- Influencing UK Government policy
If we take the right action, right now, we can address its effects and give our natural world the chance to recover.
Download the My Footprint App
Our everyday choices can collectively add up to help fight climate change. The My Footprint app gives you practical advice on how you can introduce positive changes to your life through a variety of challenges for you to take part in.
Become a member of WWF
Our planet and all that relies on it to survive is in trouble and we need your help to protect it. Join our members club and receive WWF updates and a free members pack.
Help us bring our world back to life.
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