Climate Change

Abstract

These articles are alarming. They warn that Earth is getting warmer and changes in the global climate are inevitable. The evidence of a global change in climate is mounting and the consensus is that humans are responsible through our profligate emission of so-called greenhouse gases. The authors of this book are not climatologists and are therefore not qualified to assert whether or not humanity is responsible for climate change. But as scientists, we can say that the body of evidence being put forth by climatologists asserting climate change seems credible. The theory that the change is being caused by human activity is almost as compelling and merits serious consideration and concern. Before we go further, we should describe what

Some say the world will end in fire, Some say in ice, From what I’ve tasted of desire I hold with those who favor fire.

Robert Frost, from “Fire and Ice”

Here are some recent headlines from articles about global warming:

Arctic Melting Fast; May Swamp U.S. Coasts by 2099 National Geographic News, November 9, 2004

2005 is Warmest Year on Record for Northern Hemisphere, Scientists Say USA Today, December 16, 2005

Study: Earth “Likely” Hottest in 2,000 years The Associated Press, June 22, 2006