Climate Change
Climate change is arguably the most important issue of our time. Its environmental, economic, social and political consequences will affect every person on the planet.
Significant additional change is now inevitable as a result of greenhouse gases already emitted. But the difference between the best- and worst-case scenarios is immense. In the best case, global average temperatures will rise by less than 2 degrees Centigrade (3.6 degrees Farenheit) over the next century. In the worst case, temperatures will rise by more than five times that amount.
There is a danger of paralysis by analysis. The climate system is complex. It is not yet completely understood. It never will be.
There is room for debate about the best course of action. This much, however, is certain: All other things being equal, the more greenhouse gases we emit, the warmer the planet will be. The faster we can reduce emissions, the better. The less energy we use, the easier it will be to reduce emissions.
There are now many excellent sources of information about climate change, its causes, and its effects. Here are links to a few of our favorites.
