Top Ten Things to Know About Global Warming

1. Top Ten Things to Know About Global Warming

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

3. 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.

4. 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.

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

6. 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.

7. Important Data

8. More Important Data

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

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

11. US Greenhouse Emissions

12. US CO2 Emissions

13. US Fossil Fuel CO2 Emissions

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

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

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