Demystifying Climate Change

You’ve probably heard terms like climate change, net zero, or carbon footprint in the news or at work. But what do they really mean? We break down the basics of climate terms and explain the language that often makes it sound more complicated than it needs to be.

What is Climate Change?

Climate change refers to long-term shifts in Earth’s weather patterns -including hotter temperatures, rising seas, stronger storms, floods, and droughts. It would be more accurate to refer to it as climate breakdown or the climate crisis.

What is Global Warming

The increase in Earth’s average temperature, mainly due to human activity. It would be more accurate to refer to it as global heating.

Why is it Happening?

The main cause is the build-up of greenhouse gases (GHGs) like carbon dioxide (CO₂), methane, and nitrous oxide. These gases trap heat in our atmosphere, much like the glass of a greenhouse.

Emissions - The release of GHGs into the air.

Carbon Footprint - The total amount of emissions caused by your activities, measured in CO₂ equivalent (CO₂e) -  a unit that allows us to compare different gases.

Metric Ton (Tonne) Standard unit for measuring emissions (equal to 1,000 kg).

Talking About Emissions

When organisations report emissions, they often use these categories:

Scope 1 - Direct emissions from things they own, like cars or boilers.

Scope 2 - Indirect emissions from purchased energy, like electricity.

Scope 3 - Everything else - supply chains, business travel, waste, transportation of goods etc.

Taking Action

There are three main strategies…..

Mitigation: Reducing emissions (switching to renewable energy, improving efficiency).

Adaptation: Preparing for changes already happening (like planting drought-resistant crops).

Carbon Sinks: Places that absorb carbon, such as forests, oceans, and new technologies

Why It Matters!

Climate change isn’t just an environmental issue - it’s about health, security, jobs, food, and the future of humanity.

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