The term “climate change” is not widely used. Usually, the term global warming is used instead, though there is a distinction between the two terms in that climate warming can refer to a smaller regional area, whereas global warming usually refers to global warming. However, regardless of the terminology used, the general concept is the gradual warming of weather conditions over time. While there is no set period of time in which this warming must occur, most climatologists will examine data for at least a decade before drawing any conclusions.
The fact that climate change is occurring is not seriously contested by most scientists. How much the climate is warming, how much it is likely to warm in the future, and what is causing the warming are all hotly debated topics. As a result, the question of what, if anything, can be done to prevent or slow global warming has become a hot topic.
Evidence of climate change has been cited by scientists, including those at the United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). They’ve noticed a 1 degree Fahrenheit (0.55 Celsius) increase in global average temperature since the 1970s. This is a sign of global climate change, though the reasons for the rise are still being debated. Climate change is expected to increase by nearly 3 degrees Fahrenheit (1.66 degrees Celsius) over the next century if current trends continue.
A phenomenon known as the greenhouse effect is the most common cause of climate change. When gases in the atmosphere work together to trap heat rather than allowing it to escape naturally, this effect occurs. This isn’t a new effect. In fact, it is credited with allowing life to exist on Earth, and it has occurred to some degree throughout its history. The danger is that if there are too many greenhouse gases in the atmosphere, they will trap too much heat and cause a significant and rapid warming.
The largest issue in the global warming debate is people’s contribution to greenhouse gas levels. While there are naturally occurring greenhouse gases and the Earth’s atmosphere warms and cools over time, some argue that man’s use of fossil fuels has accelerated and exacerbated the current situation, resulting in more carbon dioxide in the atmosphere. Some countries have imposed carbon dioxide emission limits for this reason, or one of the reasons. Emission restrictions via treaties are also being considered by some countries.
Even with the most aggressive policies proposed, nearly all scientists agree that there is no way to completely stop climate change. However, there may be a way to slow it down. As a result, policies are being developed to help control climate change and deal with its consequences.