There is widespread acceptance that human activities are disturbing the planet’s carbon cycle – the natural exchange of carbon between the geosphere, the biosphere, the oceans and the atmosphere.  Burning of fossil fuels for power production, heating, industry and transportation have continued to raise the level of CO2 emitted into the atmosphere.  The excess CO2 accumulates in the atmosphere resulting in climate change.  CO2 greenhouse gas traps a portion of the sun’s heat causing the earth’s surface to warm.

Action must be taken to stop the rising CO2 levels.  The IEA estimates that a 50% reduction of emissions in 2050 compared with current levels will still lead to a 2-3 degree increase in increase in average global temperatures.  Unless the temperature increase is maintained below 2%, there are likely to be irreversible climate changes.

Image source:  CO2CRC

Intensive efforts are underway to counteract the negative impact of fossil fuels, while preparing for a more renewable energy future.  Human reliance on fossil fuels dates back to the start of the Industrial age in the mid 18^th century.  Therefore it is not surprising that it will take time for the adoption of environmentally-friendly energy sources to take hold.

Related Information

Mitigation of Climate Change

UNEP Climate Change Strategy