The response

Most of the developed countries around the world have agreed to address climate change, signing and ratifying The Kyoto Protocol in 2005 and the Cancun agreement in 2010. The Kyoto Protocol's major feature is mandatory targets on greenhouse gas emissions for the world's leading economies, while the Cancun agreement requires they submit annual greenhouse gas inventories and reports on progress. A Green Climate Fund has been established to help developing countries adapt.

Scotland's Climate Change Act is to date the most ambitious climate change law in the world. It will introduce a statutory target to reduce Scotland's greenhouse gas emissions by at least 80% by 2050.

Every year the countries of the developed world continue to emit millions of tonnes of global warming pollution, burning fossil fuels to heat homes, power industries, fly airplanes, drive cars and generate electricity. The challenge is that major economies around the world, each with a range of different economic and social factors, are able to find ways to cap these emissions. 

Although changing attitudes and behaviours will play a significant part in reducing carbon emissions, responding to climate change long term will also mean using new clean technologies alongside careful consideration of sustainable food production methods and innovative building, planning and design.