Greenhouse gases, such as carbon dioxide (CO2), are released by burning fossil fuels (coal, oil and gas). These gases cause more of the sun’s rays to be absorbed in our atmosphere, leading to rises in average global temperatures. This global warming or climate change creates different weather patterns and is changing the conditions we live in on the planet.
Global warming refers to the rising average temperature (around 0.8 °C [1.4 °F] in the last 100 years) of the Earth's atmosphere and oceans and to the indirect effects of this warming. Around two thirds of this increase has occurred over the last three decades. Warming of the climate system is unequivocal, and scientists are more than 90% certain most of it is caused by increasing concentrations of greenhouse gases (GHG) produced by human activities such as deforestation and burning fossil fuel. These findings are recognised by the national science academies of all the major industrialised countries.
Climate model projections are summarised in the 2007 Fourth Assessment Report (AR4) by the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC). They indicate that during the 21st century the global surface temperature is likely to rise a further 1.5 to 1.9 °C (2.7 to 3.4 °F) for the lowest emissions scenario and 3.4 to 6.1 °C (6.1 to 11 °F) for their highest.
The results of increasing global temperature could be devastating to many areas around the globe and the partial de-glaciation of the Greenland ice sheet, and possibly the West Antarctic ice sheet, could contribute 4–6 meters (13 to 20 ft) or more to sea level rise. As Norfolk is a low lying region the effects of such a sea level rise could be catastrophic. Expansion of subtropical deserts, changes in precipitation patterns and increases in extreme weather are further expected changes to the climatic system, with major impacts on both natural ecosystems and human societies.
• The Greenhouse Gas (GHG) Protocol
• The Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change AR4 (4th Assessment Report)
Climate model projections are summarised in the 2007 Fourth Assessment Report (AR4) by the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC). They indicate that during the 21st century the global surface temperature is likely to rise a further 1.5 to 1.9 °C (2.7 to 3.4 °F) for the lowest emissions scenario and 3.4 to 6.1 °C (6.1 to 11 °F) for their highest.
The results of increasing global temperature could be devastating to many areas around the globe and the partial de-glaciation of the Greenland ice sheet, and possibly the West Antarctic ice sheet, could contribute 4–6 meters (13 to 20 ft) or more to sea level rise. As Norfolk is a low lying region the effects of such a sea level rise could be catastrophic. Expansion of subtropical deserts, changes in precipitation patterns and increases in extreme weather are further expected changes to the climatic system, with major impacts on both natural ecosystems and human societies.
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• The Greenhouse Gas (GHG) Protocol
• The Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change AR4 (4th Assessment Report)
