Scientific research has proven that climate change is occurring and is a result of human activity, primarily the burning of fossil fuels.  Climate change has resulted in an increase in global temperature through a process called the greenhouse effect in which carbon dioxide and other gases collect in the atmosphere and trap heat from the sun.  The world has already warmed by an estimated 1°F in the past century and is predicted to warm 2.5°F to 10.4°F by 2100.  As the warming trend continues, its effects will be more pronounced and they will impact more of the earth’s population.  The effects of global warming can be seen in the melting of global ice sheets and glaciers, rising sea levels, and increase in severity of hurricanes.  These impacts and other projected consequences, such as increased disease prevalence, loss of biodiversity, and changing agricultural patterns, will affect global health, poverty, security, and the global economy. 

To learn more about climate change and hurricanes or climate change and temperature increases, click on the links to the right.

To read a comprehensive review of the economics of climate change, click here to link to the Stern Report.