Global warming
What is Global Warming?
Updated 3/11/2011, published online 9/8/2010Global warming is the rise in the average temperature of Earth's near-surface air and oceans. This rise started some decades ago and is still continuing today. Some of its consequences on the environment are already visible (the melting of the ice floes around the poles, rising sea levels, etc.).
For states, economic stakeholders and citizens, the fight against global warming is one of the major issues of the 21st century. It requires in-depth scientific research on the changes affecting climate and the complex causes of these, the first stage in adopting appropriate responses on a global scale.
Earth Summit RIO+20
RIO+20 is the United Nations’ fifth international conference on the environment. It is also known as the Earth Summit.
The signs of global warming
Apart from natural variations in the earth's climate, various indicators point to an unusual level of global warming that started in the early 20th century.
The causes of global warming
Since the beginning of the industrial age, human activity has generated greenhouse gas emissions, which increase the earth's natural greenhouse effect and cause global warming. Some scientists also attribute this phenomenon to natural causes.
Global warming has serious consequences
Global warming could have significant impact on some populations and disrupt ecosystems, with significant financial repercussions. However, states and citizens alike are gradually becoming aware of this global problem and are implementing measures for adaptation.
Global warming: state responses
States are endeavoring to come up with a concerted response to the challenge of global warming using scientific studies which predict the possible future of the climate, albeit with some degree of uncertainty. Their commitment is giving rise to concrete measures to combat this phenomenon, even at the local level.
