Global Issues: Climate Change

Global issues. Climate change. Climate change How do we know? The evidence for rapid climate change is compelling. What’s the difference between climate change and global warming? What is the greenhouse effect? Future effects. Is it too late to prevent climate change? Thank you for your attention!

The Earth's climate has changed throughout history. Just in the last 650,000 years there have been seven cycles of glacial advance and retreat, with the abrupt end of the last ice age about 7,000 years ago marking the beginning of the modern climate era — and of human civilization. Most of these climate changes are attributed to very small variations in Earth’s orbit that change the amount of solar energy our planet receives.

The evidence for rapid climate change is compelling:.

Global temperature riseThe planet’;s average surface temperature has risen about 1.1 degrees Celsius since the late 19th century. Warming oceansThe oceans have absorbed much of this increased heat, with the top 700 meters.

What’s the difference between climate change and global warming?

“Global warming” refers to the long-term warming of the planet.“Climate change” encompasses global warming, but refers to the broader range of changes that are happening to our planet.