Causes and Consequences of Rapid Climate Change

Abstract

Climate change, arising from the greenhouse effect of heat-trapping gases, is a global problem. All nations are involved in both its causes and consequences. Currently developed nations are the largest emitters of greenhouse gases, but emissions by developing nations will grow considerably in coming decades. The most recent scientific evidence indicates that effects during the twenty-first century may range from a global temperature increase of 1.1ºC (2ºF) up to 6.4ºC. In addition to simply warming the planet, other predicted effects include extreme weather phenomena such as floods, droughts, tornadoes, increased shoreline erosion seas and oceans. JEL classification: Q01, Q54, Q58