Top Ten Things to Know About Global Warming

Number Ten There is a scientific consensus that human activities are very likely to affect global climate

Number Nine There is some chance that, due to the uncertainties of complex models and the assumptions used to drive them, the consensus is wrong.

Number Eight Ignoring the potential implications of climate change is taking a big risk with a valuable asset. The Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) recommends that we avoid “dangerous human interference” with global climate systems.

Number Seven In order to avoid dangerous interference, IPCC estimates that we need to hold global emissions about steady.

Number Six Since the developing world would still like to develop, the developed world must make substantial emissions reductions. IPCC says 70-80 percent of current levels must be reduced by 2040-2050.

Important Data

More Important Data

Number Five The Kyoto Protocol will result in only modest emission reductions The US has not yet ratified this treaty

Number Four We have 30-40 years to transform industrialized society Reducing emissions by 70-80 percent is a substantial challenge

US Greenhouse Emissions

US CO2 Emissions

US Fossil Fuel CO2 Emissions

Number Three We already have technologies that can help us on the way Efficiency Renewable Energy Coal-gasification with carbon sequestration

Number Two The behavioral challenges are much more daunting than the technological ones.

Number One Climate change isn’t likely to affect our generation. We need to make changes for subsequent generations.