Climate Change

Climate change leads to increasing temperatures, melting ice, rising water levels, greater precipitation, and greater risk of drought and other extremes.

Climate change is one of the greatest challenges we face today. Over the last 100 years, the average global temperature has risen by 0.74°C, and the amount of carbon dioxide (CO₂) in the atmosphere has increased by approximately 33 per cent compared to pre-industrial levels. The UN climate change panel (IPCC) estimates that the temperature will increase by a further 1-4 degrees, unless international agreements are established to limit emissions.

Unless we are able to stabilise and reduce the anthropogenic contributors to global warming in the years ahead, we can expect further increases in temperature.

Greenhouse effect
Global warming is caused by increasing emissions of greenhouse gases. These gases form a layer like glass above the Earth, trapping heat from the sun. This is why this phenomenon is called the greenhouse effect.
Observed climate change
The global warming we have witnessed over the last 50 years is advancing much faster than previously observed. The warming is greatest over land and at high northern latitudes, and least over the Pacific Ocean and northern Atlantic Ocean.
Climate of the future
The future climate depends largely on greenhouse gas emissions. All IPCC climate scenarios predict increasing temperatures, rising sea levels and other changes.
Consequences and actions
The consequences of global warming are already clear, and we should expect much worse and more serious problems in the future. Serious steps must be taken to counter the causes of climate change.
Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC)
The aim of IPCC is, based on the scientific literature, to assess climate changes and their effects, as well as the options available for adapting to or combating expected climate changes.

Contact

Povl Frich

Chief Advisor. M.Sc.

Climate and Energy Economy

Phone: +45 3392 7830
pfr@ens.dk