What is climate change?
Climate Change is no longer a distant threat; it's something shaped by our everyday choices and is already being felt across the country.
As temperatures rise, weather patterns change and nature struggles to keep up, communities everywhere - including here in Guildford - are experiencing the effects.
Hotter summers, stronger storms and increased flooding are reminders that our local environment is changing faster than many of us expected.
But there is hope. By understanding the challenge and acting together, we can protect the borough we love and build a healthier, more resilient future for Guildford.
How climate change works
- greenhouse gases trap heat around the planet, warming the atmosphere and oceans
- most of these gases come from burning fossil fuels, agriculture and industry
- this warming disrupts natural systems that people, wildlife and economies rely on
Why does this matter globally?
- rising heat increases the chance of extreme weather, it threatens food supplies and affect vulnerable communities
- wildlife and ecosystems are under strain as habitats shift or disappear
- every year of delay makes the challenge of tackling Climate Change harder. However, every action we take today slows the damage
Why does this matter for Guildford?
- hotter summers: More heatwaves affect health, especially for older residents, children and those with medical conditions
- wetter winters: More intense rainfall increases surface-water flooding and river overflow risks
- nature under pressure: Our green spaces, chalk streams and woodlands are already showing signs of stress
- rising household costs: Extreme weather affects energy use, insurance and even the reliability of transport
Hope for the future
Climate change is a challenge created by billions of small decisions, which means billions of small decisions can also help to solve it!
In Guildford, we have an active community, dedicated environment groups and residents who care deeply about their environment. Together, we can turn this challenge into an opportunity to create cleaner air, greener spaces and a more sustainable borough for all.
- see what the Council is doing to fight the Climate Emergency
- find steps you can take today