It's Getting Hotter

The earth's temperature has been steadily rising during the past 25 years, and most of the hottest years on record have occurred in the last decade. The trend is expected to continue: climate scientists predict that in the absence of global action, the average global temperatures will increase by 1.4 to 5.8 degree Celsius over the next 100 years. This amounts to rapid change more drastic in consequence than all other natural climate changes that have been documented over the last 100,000 years.

What is Climate Change?

The increase in average global temperatures, also known as climate change, is linked to an increase in the concentration of greenhouse gases such as carbon dioxide CO2 and methane in the atmosphere. Although such gases are generated through natural processes, they are also attributed to human activities, such as exhaust gas emissions from vehicles, burning of fossil fuels for energy, and deforestation.

What Are The Consequences of Climate Change?

While the regional impacts, magnitude, and rate of change is subject to discussion, it is generally accepted that climate change will:

• Increase the earth's overall temperature, which alters precipitation patterns, triggers extreme weather conditions and a rise in sea levels, and threatens fresh water sources
  
• Change delicate ecosystems, such as mountain flora & fauna, coral reefs & islands, coastal regions, deserts, and national parks
  
• Disrupt farming, fishing, forestry and many other industries that rely on weather and natural ecosystems; and
  
• Directly and indirectly affect human health and endanger animal habitat