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Science FAQ

 

Science FAQ

 
Human activities are adding greenhouse gases – pollutants that trap in Earth's heat – to the atmosphere at a faster rate than at any time over the past several thousand years.
A warming trend has been recorded since the late 19th century, with the most rapid warming occurring over the past two decades. If emissions of greenhouse gases continue unabated, scientists say we may change global temperature and our planet's climate at an unprecedented rate for our society.

These pages address the most frequently asked questions about the science of global warming and our changing climate. Answers are based on the assessments of the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) and on the most recent peer-reviewed scientific literature.


What's the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change?

The IPCC was formed jointly in 1988 by the United Nations Environment Program and World Meteorological Organization. The IPCC brings together the world's top scientists in all relevant fields, synthesizes peer-reviewed scientific literature on global warming studies, and produces authoritative assessments of the current state of knowledge of climate change. The IPCC's Second Assessment (1996) and Third Assessment (2001) serve as the key references for this brochure.

This section of the Site is based on the EPA publication, Global Warming and Our Changing Climate – Answers to Frequently Asked Questions (2.2M pdf), EPA 430-F-00-011, April 2000. In addition to the pdf, you may obtain hard copies of the document by calling (888) 782-7937.

 
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See Also

IPCC Third Assessment Report - The Scientific Basis - Summary for Policymakers(323 KB)

National Academy of Sciences - Climate Change Science: An Analysis of Some Key Questions(305 KB)

Global Warming- Frequently Asked Questions (NOAA-NCDC) Exit EPA

 


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Last Modified on Wednesday, April 12th, 2000

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