Challenges and opportunities Why we need to act We now know that the levels of greenhouse gases in our atmosphere are higher than at any point in recent history, and that this increase is directly linked to human activity, mainly the burning of fossil fuels. Human-induced climate change is already affecting every region of the world – and its effects, including extreme heat and more frequent, intense storms, have been felt here in Westminster. Delivering the rapid cuts in greenhouse gases needed to avoid more severe impacts of climate change will be the biggest challenge of our generation. Key facts: Why this is important Extremely hot summers Lord John Krebs, Chair of the Adaptation Sub-Committee to the Committee on Climate Change8 " " What we now think of as an extremely hot summer, where people are dying of heat stress and it is extremely uncomfortable in homes, hospitals and much of transport, that is likely to be a typical summer by the middle of the century and will be a cool summer in the 2080s. Increasing temperatures Since 1970 global surface temperature has increased faster than in any other 50-year period over at least the last 2,000 years5 Excessive carbon dioxide In 2019 atmospheric carbon dioxide concentrations were higher than at any time in at least two million years6 Warmest on record 2020 was one of the three warmest years on record – with 2016 and 2019 completing the top three7 challenges and opportunities challenges and opportunities 6 | Zero Carbon City 2040 Westminster Climate Emergency Action Plan Contents Contents Glossary Glossary accelerating Delivery accelerating Delivery Foreword and introduction Foreword and introduction commitment and Collaboration commitment and Collaboration