Science: why is there a need to act?
Scientists, researchers, and affected peoples around the world report changes beyond the natural variation of temperatures on land and in the ocean, as well as abnormal trends in the timing of seasons, in rainfall patterns, and in many other systems. The science on climate change is clear. There is no question that these abnormal changes result from global warming due to an increased greenhouse effect caused by the vast amounts of greenhouse gases added to the atmosphere by human activities.
In response to this, an international climate regime has developed. Governments, intergovernmental organisations, non-governmental organisations, businesses, research bodies, civil society and more are working together to build the science and knowledge that allow us to tackle the causes and threats of climate change. Key underlying facts are:
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The concentration of GHGs has been rising steadily since the time of the Industrial Revolution as a result of human activity, primarily the burning of fossil fuels and changes in land use, leading to increasing global temperatures.
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The average global temperature on Earth is directly linked to the concentration of GHGs in the atmosphere. Small rises in temperature have major impacts on weather and climate systems, causing detrimental impacts for life and society.
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Urgent action is needed to mitigate additional emissions, reduce the GHGs concentration in the atmosphere, and to adapt to the current and future impacts of climate change.
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Learn more here about how science informs climate policy and action under the UNFCCC, including through scientific assessments, systematic observation, the IPCC, and processes such as the Global Stocktake and periodic review.
