The earth’s climate has changed over the last century. There is new and stronger evidence that most of the warming observed the last 50 years is attributable to human activities. Evolving computer models are predicting that, because of greenhouse gas emissions, temperatures should continue to rise over the 21st century, impacting nature and mankind both positively and negatively. The impacts should vary among regions, but they can not yet be predicted accurately, especially for small-scale areas. However, it is expected that: the more the greenhouse gases are emitted, the higher the tendency for the earth to warm, the greater and faster the warming, the more the adverse effects will dominate, and the higher the possibility, although probably remote, of large-scale and possibly irreversible impacts. Therefore, although an acceptable level for greenhouse gases has not yet been determined, reducing emissions should reduce the risk of adverse effects. Many options for emission reductions are available; their costs need to be balanced with the risks left for future generations.
weblink: Facts on climate change • from: GreenFacts • in detail • see also: Climate Change XlnkS6F1 XlnkC1946