Greenhouse-gas emissions are causing an increase in the Earth's temperature, and consequent alterations in weather patterns.
The way we live is causing this rapid change in our climate. The industries and processes we rely on are the main source of greenhouse-gas emissions, which are causing an increase in the Earth's temperature, and consequent alterations in weather patterns. We also need to prepare for the climate change that we cannot avoid because of our previous emissions, which have set us on course for a changing climate.
What is the average temperature, rainfall or sunshine in my part of Scotland? The Climate Trends application below allows you to change the range of years and region. You can also use it to find out how Scotland’s growing season has changed over the years.
How have greenhouse gases changed over history? This graph shows an increase since 1750 when industrial activities began.
Review the CSIRO Marine and Atmosphere Research (PDF) - Can you explain these changes? What might have caused them?
A variety of download options are available including monthly, seasonal and annual values. Files can be downloaded in rank of year order.
Read more about resilience indicators and how tree-pests and pathogens may be influenced by climate change.
Use the map below to investigate a rapid increase in the number of tree pests and pathogens these last few decades, and consider why climate change is likely to lead to changes in both their distribution and impact.
Use the Met Office app to find out about weather in your area
NASA's Images of Change gallery - NASA's Images of Change gallery features images of different locations on planet Earth, showing change over time periods ranging from centuries to days.
The Met Office Weather Observation Website Survey (WOW) allows anyone to submit their own weather data, anywhere in the world. Can you identify the clouds you see? Can you record the wind speed?
Get involved with analysing climate change data. The Old Weather Survey helps scientists recover Arctic and worldwide weather observations made by United States ships since the mid-19th century by transcribing ships' logs. These transcriptions will contribute to climate model projections and will improve knowledge of past environmental conditions.
Patterns in storms imagery are best recognised by the human eye, The Cyclone Centre needs your help analysing these storms.
Find out more about the greenhouse effect from this State of the UK climate diagram.
This page was reviewed on 28 Nov 2019
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