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Our world is feeling the heat

Record-breaking heatwaves like those we’re increasingly witnessing are not a sign that summer has arrived – they’re yet another warning that our world is in danger.

But there is hope. If we all play our part, together we can stop the destruction of nature, secure a safer climate, and bring our world back to life.

Petrochemical works on Teeside releasing pollutants and carbon emmissions UK.

What does the science say?

  • Over the last decade the Earth was on average around 1.2°C warmer than pre-industrial times, and this is the key driver of extreme weather events.
  • 2023 was officially the hottest year on record. Scientists warn there is now a 66% chance we’ll pass the key 1.5°C global warming threshold in the next five years.
  • At 2°C of global warming, heat extremes would more often reach tipping points for long-term damage to nature, agriculture and human health.
  • The climate crisis isn’t a future threat – it's already devastating people and nature in the UK and around the world, with the vulnerable suffering most.
  • Thankfully, there are solutions and there is hope. We know what we need to do – and everyone has a part to play. 

Climate and nature

  • Right now, we’re witnessing the widespread destruction of nature, which is decimating species and their habitats and making the climate crisis even worse.
  • Global wildlife population sizes have declined by 69% on average since 1970, with a quarter of UK mammals now at risk of extinction.
  • Our food system is responsible for almost 60% of biodiversity loss, and 30% of greenhouse gas emissions – making it one of the biggest threats to our environment.
  • From puffins to bluebells, bumblebees and mountain hares, UK wildlife is already feeling the heat – and struggling to adapt.
  • There’s not a moment to lose. Together we can stop the destruction of nature, secure a safer climate, and bring our world back to life. 
Afrika, 8, holds a ball and wears a mask to protect against air pollution. Dawson Heights, south east London.

We need action from our leaders

The UK Government promised – and put into law – that we would stop increasing greenhouse gas emissions in the atmosphere by 2050. This is crucial if we are to ensure a more stable climate and a safer future for all of us, for nature and the economy.

Yet the UK is woefully off track to meet its promises on climate change and nature protection. This January, the Office for Environmental Protection found that the UK Government is off track to meet its nature targets, and in May, the High Court ruled that the Government needs to redraft its strategy to reduce greenhouse gas emissions.

The extreme weather that we’re seeing at home and around the world is a message that we need to take this more seriously. We’ll have a general election soon. This is your chance to help us put the protection of nature higher on the political agenda. Sign our petition and tell our leaders to stop the destruction of nature. 

What WWF is doing

  • WWF is working with government and business leaders to stop the destruction of nature, secure a safer climate and bring our world back to life.
  • WWF is working to align government and business investment to meet our climate and nature goals.  
  • We're working to protect the public from high energy and food costs caused by dirty fossil fuels and extreme weather.
  • We're working with farmers and government to improve how we use land that meets climate, nature and food requirements. 
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