We're already seeing some of the effects of climate change. In the last 15 years, for instance, we've suffered several winter storms so severe we would really have only expected them once every 200 years or so.
Last July's heatwave was probably the hottest for at least 500 years, breaking the 2003 record when 2000 people died in the UK. This year, the country's seen the wettest June since records began. Dramatic and damaging weather like this is what we can expect from more climate change.
Compared to 50 years ago, we now get more rain and snow, and on fewer days - so snow and rainfall are much heavier. The autumn and winter floods in 2000 were the worst for 270 years in some areas. Flooding on farmland cost nearly £500 million.
And, since 1998, the cost of repairing the damage from extreme weather events and floods in the UK has increased by 60 per cent. The insurance industry is already feeling the effects of climate change.
What's going to happen in Calderdale?
Here in Calderdale and further afield in Yorkshire, we can expect more severe floods as well as more summers of drought, water shortages and fire risks.
Then, there could be serious disruption to road, rail and electricity supplies because of extreme weather conditions, landslips and tunnel flooding. A changing climate could bring new pests and diseases to farms and gardens. Businesses will need to think again about the products they make. Will raw materials be readily available, for example?
In recent years, there has been serious flooding affecting Todmorden, Hebden Bridge and other places. Streets, homes and workplaces have suffered from the flooding, along with the disruption and expense that go with it.
Is this 'caused' by climate change? It's never possible to say that any particular weather event is actually caused by our changing climate. But what we do know is that these sorts of floods will occur more frequently in the future as a result of climate change.
Our health could suffer too, with more cases of cataracts and skin cancers from exposure to higher UV.
Unfortunately, the list goes on.
Climate change will have terrible effects all the way round the world - and in many more vulnerable places, where people have far fewer resources to help them respond.
Is there no way back from climate change? Find out how we add to the problem at home, at work and when we travel.
Tell us your views on how climate has affected or will affect Calderdale, and what we can do about it; or send us a photograph that illustrates this. Just click on the Put us in the Picture button in the right-hand column.
If you want to know more...
Find out whether where you live is at risk from flooding even now (let alone in the future). Check your postcode on the Environment Agency's flood maps.
The Environment Agency also has a long report about the flood risk on the River Calder and how they intend to tackle it.
To find out more about the forecast impacts of climate change in our region, read the report by the UK Climate Impact Programme.
