What is climate change?

Climate change refers to long-term shifts in temperatures and weather patterns, which are occurring rapidly and almost entirely due to human activity (for example, burning fossil fuels like coal, oil and gas).  Scientists are alarmed that the climate is changing much faster than their worst projections.

Burning fossil fuels generates greenhouse gas emissions that act like a blanket wrapped around the Earth, trapping the sun’s heat and raising temperatures. This is what is referred to as Global Warming, and as temperatures rise, it leads to climate change.
Learn more about climate change on the United Nations website.

The United Nations states that:
The world is now warming faster than at any point in recorded history. Warmer temperatures over time are changing weather patterns and disrupting the usual balance of nature. This poses many risks to human beings and all other forms of life on Earth.

In Derby, without taking steps to address climate change, we can expect to see impacts like:

• more frequent and extreme heat events
• more severe storms
• increased flooding, including areas which haven’t historically been affected
• increased drought during the summer
• an increase in vector-borne diseases (for example, Dengue fever carried by mosquitos)
• loss of species and habitats in our parks and green spaces
• more volatile food imports and prices.

These impacts, which are happening already, will more frequently affect our daily lives in the city, bringing a range of associated health challenges, particularly affecting the most vulnerable.

The United Nations states that climate change is:

the single biggest health threat facing humanity.

You can find out more about the health impacts of climate change on the United Nations’ website.

Tackling climate change addresses several other global and local issues, such as pollution, lack of energy security, and poor health. For example, insulating homes to reduce energy consumption will create jobs and improve people’s health, as well as reducing energy use and therefore bill costs. These things are referred to as co-benefits or win-win opportunities and are used to demonstrate that solving climate change will also improve a wide range of other social, economic and environmental problems.  

On 22 May 2019, the Council declared a climate emergency in Derby. Following this we:

• established a Climate Change Action Plan Programme Board
• set a target for Derby City Council to reach net zero carbon emissions by 2035
• created a Climate Change Network for Council staff
• in partnership with Derby Climate Coalition, established a Community Climate Forum.

Declaring a climate emergency means we are prepared to play our part alongside other cities around the world. We are committed to taking the action needed to prevent climate change from becoming much worse.

What is a carbon footprint?

A carbon footprint is the amount of greenhouse gas emissions generated by a person or organisation’s activities. So, each time you drive your car, eat a banana or take a shower, that adds to your personal carbon footprint.

It is usually measured as tonnes of carbon dioxide equivalent (CO2e) to account for other greenhouse gases such as methane.

The total emissions directly generated in Derby are approximately 195.5 million tonnes of CO2e. This figure is from UK Government data for 2021, which was published in July 2023.  Only emissions that occur within the UK's borders are included, so it doesn’t include certain emissions including those generated by residents travelling abroad for holidays or eating food that was imported from overseas.

You can find out more about calculating your own carbon footprint on the WWF website.  There are also hints and tips to reduce your personal carbon footprint in our Reducing your carbon footprint page.