| Summary/Abstract |
Scientific evidence affirms that the anthropogenic emissions of Greenhouse
Gases (GHGs), such as carbon dioxide, methane, nitrous oxide and several
industrial gases, have been changing the Earth’s climate since the Industrial
Revolution started two and a half centuries ago. While naysayers remain,
there is now overwhelming scientific certainty that increasing GHG
concentration in the atmosphere due to human activities has been the dominant
cause of the observed warming of our planet since 1950.1
Current GHG
emissions are the highest in human history while atmospheric carbon dioxide
is at its highest level since at least 800,000 years. Over the years, the atmosphere
and oceans have grown warmer. Snow, ice, permafrost and glaciers have
reduced at the poles and elsewhere. Sea levels have risen and oceans have
become more acidic by absorbing more carbon dioxide. Several extreme
weather events have intensified. Over the last century, global temperatures
have risen +0.85°C and sea levels by 19 centimetres.2
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