Skip to main content

Our world is feeling the heat

Record-breaking heatwaves like those being experienced across continents this year are not a sign that summer has arrived – they’re yet another warning that our world is in danger. 

But there is hope. If we all play our part, together we can stop the destruction of nature, secure a safer climate, and bring our world back to life.

Petrochemical works on Teeside releasing pollutants and carbon emmissions UK.

What does the science say?

  • The Earth is already 1.1°C warmer than pre-industrial times.
  • 28 countries, including the UK, experienced their hottest year on record in 2022, and scientists predict there’s now a 66% chance we’ll pass the 1.5°C global warming threshold in the next five years.  
  • At 2°C of global warming, heat extremes would more often reach tipping points for long-term damage to nature, agriculture and health. 
  • The climate crisis isn’t a future threat – it's already devastating people and nature in the UK and across the globe, with the vulnerable suffering most.  
  • Thankfully, there are solutions and there is hope. We know what we need to do – and everyone has a part to play. 

Climate and nature

  • Right now, we’re witnessing the widespread destruction of nature, which is decimating species and their habitats and making the climate crisis even worse. 
  • Global wildlife population sizes have declined by 69% on average since 1970, with a quarter of UK mammals now at risk of extinction. 
  • Our food system is responsible for almost 60% of biodiversity loss, and 30% of greenhouse gas emissions – making it one of the biggest threats to our environment. 
  • From puffins to bluebells, bumblebees and mountain hares, UK wildlife is already feeling the heat – and struggling to adapt. 
  • We’re now in a race to bring our world back to life. Time has almost run out, but we have just enough of the natural world left to help it recover.  
Afrika, 8, holds a ball and wears a mask to protect against air pollution. Dawson Heights, south east London.

We need action from our leaders

The UK Government promised – and put into law – that we would stop increasing greenhouse gas emissions in the atmosphere by 2050. This is crucial if we are to ensure a more stable climate and a safer future for all of us, for nature and the economy. 

We need affordable, clean energy and better insulation for our homes so we can stay cool during heatwaves, warm in winter, and waste less of the energy we produce.  

In addition, government must set out clear policies and long-term commitment to deliver its own targets with a strong focus on how to decarbonise agriculture, one of the biggest gaps in the current strategy. 

It can be done. Our leaders must heed the warnings and deliver on their promises for our world. 

What WWF is doing

  • WWF is working to target government and business investment towards reaching climate and nature goals.  
  • We're working with farmers and policymakers to improve how we use land, ensuring it can meet our climate, nature and food needs. 
  • We're working to protect the public from high energy and food costs caused by dirty fossil fuels and extreme weather.