Most scientists agree that global temperatures could rise significantly by the end of the 21st century, depending on future emissions of greenhouse gases.
If the rise is high, then changes are likely to be so extreme that it will be difficult to cope with them.
There are likely to be more intense and frequent extreme weather events, like floods and heatwaves, and a further rise in sea levels.
To learn more about the science of climate change and what is being done to address it across the UK visit the Act on CO2 website.
If you are still confused by conflicting stories in the media or unsure of the scientific evidence related to climate change, try reading these 'mythbuster' guides:
- Climate Change Controversies: A Simple Guide (The Royal Society)
- Climate Change: A Guide for the Perplexed (New Scientist)
Cambridge climate change strategy and action plan
On 11 September 2008, after a public consultation, we adopted a climate change strategy and action plan.
It sets out the framework for action in Cambridge to manage the risks associated with climate change and contribute towards the global effort to avert future dangerous climate change by reducing emissions of carbon dioxide.
Nottingham Declaration on Climate Change
On World Car Free Day, 22 September 2006, we joined over 130 other local authorities in making a public commitment to play our part in the international effort to address the causes and consequences of climate change by signing the Nottingham Declaration on Climate Change.
You can see a copy of the declaration.
Cambridge climate change charter
To effectively address the causes and consequences of climate change in Cambridge we must work in partnership with other organisations, businesses, community groups and local residents. To help this partnership working the council has led the development of a Cambridge climate change charter containing a number of commitments for local organisations to support and deliver.
Managing climate change risks
Due to the time lag in atmospheric systems, our climate will change over the next 30 years regardless of any actions we take now to reduce emissions of greenhouse gases.
As well as reducing greenhouse gas emissions to avoid even more dangerous climate change beyond the next 30 years, the Cambridge Climate Change Strategy and Action Plan aims to manage those climate change risks which are unavoidable, such as flooding, higher temperatures and fewer water resources.
The Cambridge Climate Change Risk Assessment and Management Plan provides an assessment by the city council of the priority climate change risks facing the city, as well as the people, property, assets and functions of the council, and the measures being taken to manage these.
Download the complete Climate Change Risk Assessment and Management Plan or in individual sections:
- Climate Change Risk Assessment and Management Plan: executive summary
- Climate Change Risk Assessment and Management Plan: Introduction and assessment of past and future climate change risks in Cambridge
- Climate Change Risk Assessment and Management Plan: Priority climate change risks for Cambridge
- Climate Change Risk Assessment and Management Plan: Priority climate change risks for Cambridge City Council
- Climate Change Risk Assessment and Management Plan: Climate change risk management plan
- Climate Change Risk Assessment and Management Plan: appendices
Please read our emergency planning webpages for further information and advice regarding flooding and other potential emergencies.
Energy Services Innovation Fund
In 2009 Cambridge City Council completed a study into the establishment of an 'Energy Services Innovation Fund' to investigate ways of increasing the pace and scale of private investment in household carbon reduction measures. The final report identifies a number of legal and practical barriers as well as the recomendations of Cambridge City Council for overcoming these to enable a scheme to be established in Cambridge.
Climate change exhibition
As part of its work to promote climate change awareness and action we have produced an exhibition providing further explanation of the causes of climate change and its implications for Cambridge. This is available for groups and organisations in Cambridge to use free of charge for public events or activities they may be staging.
