Conditions over a short time scale at a local level

The ‘average’ weather over the long term at a regional level

The amount of energy reaching the earth’s surface can vary according to the amount of energy emitted from the sun and the position of the earth in relation to the sun.

The tilting of the earth influences how much solar energy is absorbed and results in seasonal changes.

A rise in the concentration of greenhouse gases present in the atmosphere increases the amount of energy absorbed raising global temperatures.

Volcanic activity can have a short term effect on climate. Emissions from volcanic activity include ash and gases such as sulphur dioxide. The latter reacts in the atmosphere forming a sulphate aerosol that reflects solar radiation back into space and causes global cooling.

From 1880 to 2013, atmospheric carbon dioxide levels went up by over 40% and the global temperature increased by 0.85°C

Higher temperatures will affect the hydrological cycle. With a rise in temperature, more water will evaporate resulting in some regions experiencing greater rainfall.

Extreme weather patterns are likely to become more frequent, longer in duration and more intense.

With the increase in global temperature, sea levels rose by an average of 19cm between 1901 and 2013

Increase in global temperatures, sea level rise and changes in precipitation patterns could affect the quantity and quality of water available.

Climate change can lead to either reduced water resources or flooding, causing extreme conditions in multiple places of the world

Increase in mid to high latitudes regions

Decrease in low latitude regions

Death of some species unable to cope with higher temperature range leading to loss of biodiversity.

Coral reefs are also vulnerable to damage by increase occurrence of severe storms. Increase in ocean acidity as a result of higher atmospheric carbon dioxide levels.

With a change in climatic conditions of temperature and rainfall, there is likely to be a general shift of biomes with animals and plants moving towards the poles and upwards in elevation.

Migratory species usually move in response to seasonal changes. Climate change could alter the timing of migration and mating e.g. warmer temperatures could result in some birds nesting and having offspring earlier.

Storms, including tropical cyclone out at sea can generate high energy waves that hit the coast with the potential to cause coastal erosion, inundation, damage to settlements and even loss of life. Changing weather patterns are increasing coastal exposure to extreme storm events

Heatwave episodes can result in cardiovascular and respiratory problems especially within the elderly and urban poor.

Storms and floods could lead to injury or death by drowning.

Loss of harvest from extreme weather conditions could increase malnutrition.

A rise in temperature could result in a rise in the number of cases of disease as a result of an increase geographical range of disease vectors, such as malaria or dengue carrying mosquito.