1. Protecting the public from immediate risk

Climate change is already happening in the UK and the Government has a number of initiatives in place to ensure the public is protected from immediate risk.

2. Preparing for the future

The new UK Climate Projections is the most comprehensive report into the effects of climate change on the UK ever produced. It will be used to help plan for a future with a changing climate.

3. Limiting the severity of future climate change through a new international climate agreement

To limit global temperature increases to less than two degrees, and so avoid the most dangerous effects of climate change, the Government is leading international efforts to achieve a new international climate agreement in Copenhagen this December.

• The Road to Copenhagen

4. Building a low-carbon UK

To play our part in reducing global emissions, Britain needs to become a low-carbon country. The Government published the UK Low Carbon Transition Plan White Paper on 15 July 2009, setting out how we will meet our carbon budgets while maintaining energy security, creating jobs and economic opportunities for UK firms, and protecting the most vulnerable sectors of our society.

5. Supporting individuals, communities and businesses to play their part

Everyone has a role to play in tackling climate change, from reducing their own emissions to planning for adaptation.

• The actions you can take to cut CO₂ emissions