Issues: Global Warming

In recent years, scientists have added considerably to the large body of evidence that shows heat-trapping gases like carbon dioxide -- produced mainly from the burning of fossil fuels -- are changing the global climate, raising temperatures and affecting ecosystems around the world. Here we summarize the most significant scientific findings of the past few years.

In 2007, the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) released its Fourth Assessment Report, representing the work of thousands of researchers. The latest IPCC report represents the strongest scientific consensus to date that human greenhouse gas emissions are causing global warming. Some important results reported in 2007 and in late 2006 missed the official cut-off for inclusion in the report, and are summarized here.

Last revised 9.10.07