What is global warming all about?

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Climate change, specifically global warming, has captured the attention of people worldwide and has inspired more debate and action—personal, political and corporate—than perhaps any other environmental issue in history.

But all of that discussion, along with the mountains of data and conflicting points of view that go with it, sometimes make it hard to really know what’s going on. This guide will help you cut through the rhetoric and confusion and get to the facts.

THE CHALLENGE OF GLOBAL WARMING
The first step toward learning what can be done to reduce global warming, and how you can help, is to understand the problem.

The greenhouse effect is a natural phenomenon, and many greenhouse gases occur naturally, so why are they cited as problems whenever global warming is discussed?CURRENT AND FUTURE EFFECTS OF GLOBAL WARMING
The effects of global warming are often discussed in future terms, but many of those effects are already under way and having an impact on everything from biodiversity to human health. But it’s not too late. If we act now, most scientists believe we can avoid many of the worst effects of global warming. Global Warming and Human HealthGlobal Warming, Wildlife and BiodiversityGlobal Warming and Natural ResourcesGLOBAL WARMING SOLUTIONS
Reducing global warming and mitigating its effects will require a combination of enlightened public policy, corporate commitment and personal action. The good news is that the world’s leading climate scientists have agreed that there is still enough time to address the problem of global warming if we act now, and enough money to get the job done without undermining national economies.Global Warming and You
As a citizen and a consumer, you can influence public policy and business decisions that effect global warming and the environment. You can also make lifestyle choices every day that reduce your contribution to global warming.Global Warming and Renewable Energy
One of the best ways to reduce global warming is to use renewable energy that doesn’t emit greenhouse gases.Global Warming, Transportation and Alternative Fuels
Transportation accounts for 30 percent of all greenhouse gas emissions in the United States—two-thirds of that from automobiles and other vehicles—and many other developed and developing nations face similar challenges.

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