Climate change

Even though climate change is partially caused by the natural cycles of Earth, humans are still a major part of it. Greenhouse gases, such as carbon dioxide, absorb and emit heat in the atmosphere, keeping Earth warm enough to support life. However, human activities, such as burning fossil fuels, are adding large amounts of greenhouse gases to the atmosphere. Earth must get rid of energy at the same rate it receives energy. More greenhouse gases mean that more heat is being held in the atmosphere, which in turn makes temperatures higher. All the greenhouse gases people have added to the atmosphere are making temperatures rise faster than they are supposed to, which will cause a multitude of problems that will offset the balance of the global ecosystem.
Around the world, Practical Action is working in different ways to tackle both the causes and effects of climate change, including
Working with communities to reduce their vulnerability to the disasters made worse and more numerous by climate change, and to help them adapt to the longer term challenges which a changing climate pose.
Working with other organisations to share our learning of what works well and what can be done to make programmes of work with poor communities even more effective.
Working with national and international bodies around the world to create and strengthen policies which reduce emissions and encourage funding and focus on adaptation to climate change.
Working with schools and teachers to encourage the delivery of effective, exciting climate change lessons which engage today's young people in the issues of climate change, creating a generation of global citizens who understand the impact of their actions on the environment and people around the world.
Launching and supporting campaigns designed to raise awareness of the impacts of climate change on vulnerable communities, and enabling them to take tangible action to support strong and urgent change at the local, national and