The scientific evidence underpinning climate change is overwhelming and communities around the world are already suffering as a result of the rise in global temperatures and the increase in extreme weather conditions.
We are beginning to see these changes in the UK too with severe flooding predicted to become an increasing phenomenon.
Avoiding the most extreme and damaging effects of climate change will require governments around the world to agree and implement far-reaching changes to our global fossil fuel dependent economy.
But doing your individual bit to reduce climate change can feel like a futile gesture when set against such an enormous task. Why should I bother getting on a tram or bus or train if China is going to open six more coal-fired power stations this week?
It's an understandable reaction to the very complex challenge the world faces.
But in reality, each of us has more influence than we think.
By making small changes to the way we live, by discussing the issues with our friends and neighbours, by taking a lead ourselves, we influence others to do the same. And as public attitudes change we allow politicians to be bolder in their own leadership at a national and international level.
Big changes in social culture have always come about through many, many small actions by individuals. And that’s what needs to happen now.
Your own carbon responsibility
As individuals, travel is one of the things we do that emits significant amounts of carbon dioxide into the atmosphere increasing our contribution to climate change. So you can make a big difference to your personal carbon responsibility by changing how you get around.
That doesn't have to mean abandoning your car completely. For many of us and for much of the time, that's just not possible. But making some journeys by public transport or sharing your car with other colleagues on the same route will begin to make a big difference.
And the next time that you buy a car take a close look at the options for electric and hybrid vehicles – they'll be many more on the market in the next few years.
But in the meantime getting out of your car as much as possible and looking at others ways of travel will begin to address the problems we face. And just as importantly, you will be an example to others around you as we begin to break our world-wide addiction to fossil fuel.