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Page last updated icon Page last updated on 3rd July 2025
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What is global warming and what can I do about it?

Global warming is an issue that affects us all. On this page, we’ll explain the meaning of global warming, talk through the consequences of global warming, and look at some of the things you can do to help reduce your impact on the climate.

What does global warming mean?

What is global warming? The easy definition is that it’s the way the world is getting warmer over time.

Global warming doesn’t mean that every day is warmer than the day before. A day in winter is still probably going to be colder than a day from last summer. If you take a step back and look at long-term trends over time, though, the world has been getting warmer over the last century, and each of the last three decades has been hotter than the one before.

What causes global warming?

Greenhouse gases, such as carbon dioxide and methane, cause global warming by trapping heat in the Earth’s atmosphere and radiating it back to the surface. We call them greenhouse gases because, like the glass panels of a greenhouse, they cause everything beneath them to heat up. 

The levels of these gases have increased over the years due to human activity, such as farming, deforestation, and the burning of fossil fuels. In other words, what causes global warming is largely a result of our actions over time.

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How does global warming affect me and others?

Global warming has various effects on the planet’s weather and climate, so the term ‘climate change’ often comes up in discussion of the consequences of global warming.

The effects of global warming include:

  • More frequent extreme weather such as heatwaves and cold waves; you may have noticed more of these yourself.
  • An increase in weather-related disasters, such as floods and wildfires.
  • Rising sea levels which increase the risk of flooding and worsen coastal erosion due to melting glaciers and the expansion of water as it warms.
  • Ocean acidification, which is the ocean getting more acidic because of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere and is bad for marine life.
  • Challenges to sources of food, such as fish or crops, resulting in higher food prices or difficulty feeding the population.

What can I do to help climate change?

To fight global warming, greenhouse gas emissions need to be reduced, and the damage caused by climate change needs to be limited. It’s a joint effort, and government and industry will play a large part. To learn what’s being done on a larger scale to combat global warming, look at our article on how the UK is working towards net zero.

Even if larger organisations are needed to drive this change, it’s still important that individuals also their play their part. So here are some ideas for anyone asking: ‘what can I do about global warming?’:

Cut down on driving

Travelling by foot, bike or public transport, where possible, instead of using a car can make a big difference to your personal emissions.

Install solar panels

Solar panels generate clean energy for your home. As a bonus, this can cut down on your energy bills.

Contribute to a project that's working to reduce greenhouse gas emissions

There are many projects that individuals can support, such as projects setting up wind farms or solar
power plants.

Get a smart meter

Smart meters can provide you with a clearer idea of your energy use and where it could be adjusted through its in-home display, which shows near-real-time information about your energy consumption. Over time, this information could help reduce your carbon footprint.

Through collective effort, we can all live more sustainably and help to reduce the effects of global warming. For more on this topic, look at our articles on how smart meters can help the environment.

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We believe that British Gas is now responsible for Angelic Energy customers. Therefore we are connecting you with British Gas who will be responsible for taking your request forward.

We believe that SSE is now responsible for Atlantic Energy customers. Therefore we are connecting you with SSE who will be responsible for taking your request forward.

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You can continue your smart meter journey at your supplier's website. They will take your request forward.

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Eon have informed us that Eon Next are responsible for smart meter installations, so you'll be redirected there.

We are redirecting you to the E.ON Next smart meter webpage. You can continue your smart meter journey at their website. They will take your request forward.

If you are a prepay customer you will need to visit Boost Energy at www.boostpower.co.uk/smart-meters. They will be responsible for taking you request forward.

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We believe that Shell Energy Retail is now responsible for First Utility customers. Therefore we are connecting you with Shell Energy Retail who will be responsible for taking your request forward.

We don't currently have information from your energy supplier regarding their bookings for smart meters, but we will connect you to their website so you can contact them directly.

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We believe that Green Star Energy is now responsible for Future Energy customers. Therefore we are connecting you with Green Star Energy who will be responsible for taking your request forward.

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We don't currently have information from your energy supplier regarding their bookings for smart meters, but we will connect you to their website so you can contact them directly.

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We don't currently have information from your energy supplier regarding their bookings for smart meters, but we will connect you to their website so you can contact them directly.

We believe that EDF Energy is now responsible for Green Network Energy customers. Therefore we will connect you with EDF Energy who will be responsible for taking your request forward.

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We believe that E.ON Next is now responsible for Hub Energy customers (formerly Gulf Gas and Power). Therefore we will connect you with E.ON Next who will be responsible for taking your request forward.

If you would like a smart meter installed, please get in touch with Homeshift using the contact number on your latest energy bill.

We believe that E.ON Next is now responsible for Hub Energy customers. Therefore we will connect you with E.ON Next who will be responsible for taking your request forward.

We believe that E.ON Next is now responsible for Igloo Energy customers. Therefore we will connect you with E.ON Next who will be responsible for taking your request forward.

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We believe that EDF Energy is now responsible for iSupply Energy customers. Therefore we are connecting you with EDF Energy who will be responsible for taking your request forward.

We don't currently have information from your energy supplier regarding their bookings for smart meters, but we will connect you to their website so you can contact them directly.

We don't currently have information from your energy supplier regarding their bookings for smart meters, but we will connect you to their website so you can contact them directly.

We believe that OVO Energy is now responsible for Lumo customers. Therefore we are connecting you with OVO Energy who will be responsible for taking your request forward.

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We believe that E.ON is now responsible for Npower Select customers. Therefore we will connect you with E.ON who will be responsible for taking your request forward.

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We beleive that Scottish Power is now responsible for Orbit Energy customers. Therefore we will connect you with Scottish Power who will be responsible with taking your request forward.

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We believe that British Gas is now responsible for People's Energy customers. Therefore we will connect you with British Gas who will be responsible for taking your request forward.

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We believe that E.ON Next is now responsible for Powershop customers. Therefore we will connect you with E.ON Next who will be responsible for taking your request forward.

We believe that Shell Energy is now responsible for Pure Planet customers. Therefore we will connect you with Shell Energy who will be responsible for taking your request forward.

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You can continue your smart meter journey at your supplier's website. They will take your request forward.

Scottish Gas have told us that British Gas is responsible for providing smart meters on their behalf. Therefore we are connecting you with British Gas who will be responsible for taking your request forward.

Scottish Hydro have told us that SSE is responsible for providing smart meters on their behalf. Therefore we are connecting you with SSE who will be responsible for taking your request forward.

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We don't currently have information from your energy supplier regarding their bookings for smart meters, but we will connect you to their website so you can contact them directly.

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White Rose Energy customers are now managed by British Gas.

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We don't currently have information from your energy supplier regarding their bookings for smart meters, but we will connect you to their website so you can contact them directly.

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