A Hotter World

OVERVIEW OF GLOBAL WARMING (Chapter 1) Return to Unit List

The global warming debate is best broken down into several distinct questions, some of which have been readily answered by scientific evidence, and others of which remain highly contested. This unit offers an overview of what is known regarding the issue of climate change, as well as what remains unknown and what the policy implications of the issue are.

Begin by visiting the EPA's Global Warming Web site. Be sure and click on "What do we know" for an assessment of the existing uncertainties in the global warming debate. See also the following sites which offer additional evidence on the issue of climate change:

Trends in Global Average Surface Temperature

1999 Global Surface Temperature Study

Animated report on the collapse of Antarctic ice shelves

So, what is certain in the global warming debate? Is the earth's temperature rising? What is the evidence of global warming?

What remains uncertain? What are the causes of global warming?

What are some of the potential consequences of global warming?

What are "greenhouse emissions"?

Probably the most significant question regarding the global warming debate is not whether global warming is occurring or even what causes global warming, but what actions are appropriate given the existing and continuing uncertainties that are likely to remain. The most comprehensive plan of action developed thus far is the 1997 Kyoto Protocol. You can learn more about the Protocol at the UN Convention on Climate Change. As of the end of 2004, 130 states and supranational organizations had ratified the Protocol.

Has the United States ratified the Kyoto Protocol?
What do you think is the best way forward given what we know and what continues to be uncertain?

There are many websites devoted to the issue of global warming. Below is a very brief listing of just a few to help you gain a better appreciation of the issues raised in the debate.

The Global Warming Student Research Page from the industry-funded Cooler Heads Commission, attempting to dispel the "myths" surrounding global warming.

Environmental Defense, which maintains a campaign to Undo Global Warming.

Skepticism.net's global warming page, providing resources skeptical of global warming "doomsday" scenarios.

The Union of Concerned Scientist's global warming page, arguing that "global warming is real and underway"

Manchester Metropolitan University's Atmosphere, Climate & Environment Information Program page on climate change.