The large majority of climate scientists now agree that climate change is occurring and is due in large part to the greenhouse gas emissions created by human activity.

Since industrialisation, the average temperature has increased by 0.8 degrees Celsius as a global average, however temperatures are expected to rise much more dramatically over the coming decades. For example, in Australia, temperatures are expected to rise by 4 to 5 degrees celsius by 2100 if we do nothing to reduce our greenhouse gas emissions.

The observed impacts of climate change are becoming more apparent on an almost daily basis.

For example, the acceleration of melting of the north polar ice cap has surprised most scientists.

Just ten years ago, scientists were predicting that the ice cap would be completely melted during the northern hemisphere summer by about 2100. Scientists are now predicting that this may happen within the next five years.

Click here for more information on the likely impacts of climate change in Australia

The good news is that there is still time for us to stop many of these projections from becoming reality. Scientists are saying that globally  we need to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 50% compared to 1990 levels in order to limit warming to 2 degrees celsius, which is considered the upper limit before some of the more catastrophic projections from occurring.

A 50% global reduction translates into a 80% to 90% reduction for advanced countries such as Australia.

Days of Change is the program that will help people everywhere take the lead on doing something about climate change, to create a better future for themselves, their children, and for future generations.