Global warming is a gradual increase in the average temperature of Earth’s atmosphere and oceans. This is caused by the trapping of solar radiation by greenhouse gases, which prevents some of the sun’s heat from escaping back into space. This warming has many serious effects, including melting glaciers and ice caps, rising sea levels, and changing weather patterns that affect food supplies and other vital resources.
Scientists have shown that human activities, mostly through the production of greenhouse gases, are responsible for most of the global warming that has occurred since 1850-1900. These activities include the burning of fossil fuels (oil, coal and natural gas) for electricity generation, heating homes, and transportation. These fuels produce carbon dioxide and other greenhouse gases when burned. In addition, clearing land for agriculture and oil and gas operations can release methane. These and other pollutants are known as greenhouse gases because they absorb heat in the atmosphere and slow its escape.
In the past 100 years, emissions of greenhouse gases have increased dramatically. As a result, the Earth’s temperature has been rising steadily, with the last decade being the warmest on record.
The scientific evidence is clear. The vast majority of climate scientists agree that the global temperature is indeed rising because of human activities. The scientific community is committed to preventing future harm from human-caused global warming. Many governments have ratified the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change, which was established in 1992. This international treaty limits global temperatures to a level that will preserve a livable world.
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