10 reasons why we should all care about climate change

We don’t need to worry about climate change because it won’t affect us for ages, right? Wrong! Find out why - no matter what you care about - climate change is affecting our world today. But here's some good news: we still have time to make sure it doesn't get worse in the future...

1. Because snow leopards, turtles and polar bears are awesome

Climate change will mean big changes for animals around the world. So if we care about incredible species, we should care about climate change, too. Changes will make food harder to come by and increased deforestation will make it more difficult for animals to survive. WWF works on climate change because it affects so much of the natural world – everything from incredible species to beautiful habitats, such as the Amazon. And, of course, it affects one more amazing species - us.

2. Because we all need access to clean water

Did you know that one in 10 people worldwide don't have access to clean drinking water? Water is a precious resource with limited availability in many regions around the planet. However, climate change could make this situation much worse. Warming temperatures will destabilise the water cycle. Some areas will experience increased droughts, whereas others will witness more intense rainfall, leading to more floods.

3. Because you need your coffee fix each morning

A newly released United Nations report on climate change (the IPCC report) warns that the world’s coffee supply could shrink due to our warming world. Worried yet? Growing conditions for crops around the world will change, meaning some may not grow where they did previously.

4. Because climate scientists are hot

scientificamerican.com

No, really… check this out.

5. Because coral reefs are amazing

Everybody loves Finding Nemo – but, with climate change, Nemo’s home is under threat. Warmer air and ocean temperatures cause coral bleaching, which means that the coral loses its incredible colours and dies. Bad news for fish and diving fans.

6. Because you hate the sight of politicians in wellies

Come on, seriously? Following the UK's wettest winter on record, we’ve seen politicians wading through floods in Somerset, hopping onto dinghies in Cornwall and arguing with each other in Westminster. Scientists say we can expect more extreme weather in the future, if we don't cut our greenhouse gas emissions. We need to see politicians taking serious action on climate change, not looking for the next photo opportunity.

7. Because rainforests are incredible

Rainforests are one of the most precious habitats on the planet. They are also often described as the "world's lungs". They really are amazing! The Amazon, for example, is home to an astonishing one in 10 of all the wild species on Earth. In scientific terms, it’s a unique and irreplaceable ecosystem. But, worldwide, forest destruction is a major cause of climate change – generating an incredible amount of the greenhouse gases. That’s bad news for rainforests and the world we live in.

8. Because bees are pretty important to us

Where would we be without bees? Well, many of our vital food crops would really struggle if it weren’t for their pollinating skills and tireless work ethic. The problem is that climate change could make it harder for bees to do their job. That’s bad for us AND the bees.

9. Because clean tech is pretty cool

Some of the biggest advancements in technology over the past few years have come from trying to limit the main cause of climate change - mankind's polluting emissions. One of the best examples is renewable energy, such as wind farms, solar panels and wave-energy converters. All of these harness the power of nature in a clean way. But we urgently need lots more of this technology if we are to reduce our emissions.

10. Because we’re all affected, no matter where we live in the world

Climate change won’t just affect forests, or coral reefs, or even people in far-off countries – it will affect ALL OF US! From more extreme weather to increasing food prices, no matter where you live, climate change will affect you. That’s why WWF is working to tackle climate change, in order to create a world where people and nature thrive. And millions of people are joining us, too. Events such as Earth Hour are a brilliant reminder that together we can make change happen, and gives us all a chance to think about the many things we can do to help create a brighter future.

Still confused about climate change? Why not take our quick quiz to test your knowledge.

And just in case you're still not convinced...

...because David Attenborough says so!