Climate change in ten graphs

Global temperatures are rising

This graph from Nasa shows changes in global temperatures over the years. The different lines show the data collected by separate research centres.

Carbon dioxide levels are skyrocketing

The amount of CO2 in the earth’s atmosphere is far higher than at any point in at least the last 400,000 years. And it’s still rising, this Nasa graph shows. CO2 levels have not been this high for at least three million years.

CO2 emissions are finally starting to level off

Research by the International Energy Agency charts the amount of energy-related carbon dioxide emissions across the world. Emissions are starting to level off, thanks to increased use of renewable energy and improved technology.

Arctic ice caps are melting

This shows the minimum amount of ice recorded in the Arctic each year. It is declining at a rate of 13.3 per cent every decade, according to Nasa.

Sea levels are rising

Nasa data obtained from coastal tide gauges shows how the sea levels have steadily gone up since 1870.

The vast majority of scientists agree humans are causing global warming

A survey reported in the New Scientist shows that almost all climate specialists agree about global temperature changes. Even among a broader pool of 3,146 earth scientists, 82 per cent said human activity was to blame. Petroleum geologists and meteorologists were most likely to disagree.

Taxpayers are subsidising fossil fuels

The fossil fuel industry is supported by billions of pounds of public money. Analysis by the IMF shows it amounts to around 6.5 per cent of global GDP. It concluded: “Energy subsidies discourage needed investments in energy efficiency, renewables, and energy infrastructure.”

China and the USA are responsible for the most carbon emissions

Data from the European Commission Joint Research Centre shows the breakdown of carbon emissions by country.

Renewable energy is getting cheaper

This graph from Bloomberg shows the falling cost of renewable energy in emerging-market economies, such as China, India, and Brazil. Costs will likely come down further as the technology gets better.