Climate change is a long-term shift in temperatures and weather patterns. Human activities, especially burning fossil fuels, are driving recent global warming. Rising temperatures affect water, food, health and ecosystems. They also increase risks from some types of extreme weather. The United Nations’ climate resources explain the science and possible responses.
Why it matters
We need to cut the emissions that cause warming. We also need to prepare for changes already happening. This can mean cleaner energy, better public transport or preparing communities for heat and flooding. People who have contributed least to the problem often have fewer resources to respond.
Take action
Young people can contribute ideas and push for better decisions, but the responsibility is shared with governments and businesses. Choose a practical goal with others, such as reducing energy waste at school or improving local transport. Use the Guide to Action to turn that goal into a plan.
We, the Indigenous Peoples, have historically played an active role in the conservation of eco-systems crucial to the prevention of climate change such as forests, wetlands and coastal and marine areas. Long ago, our sciences foretold of the severe impacts on Western "development" models based on indiscriminate clear-cutting, oil exploration, mining, carbon-emitting industries, permanent organic pollutants and the insatiable consumption of the industrialized countries. Today, these unsustainable models threaten the very life of Mother Earth and the lives of all of us who are her children.