Throughout geological history, the world has experienced cold and warm periods known as ice ages and interglacial periods. These natural changes have largely been due to variations in Earth’s orbit around the Sun, which affects the amount of sunlight reaching Earth’s surface.
However, scientists have found that our planet is now warming at a rapid rate, over a short period of time, playing havoc with our climate system and natural environment.
According to the World Meteorology Organization, the years 2010, 2005 and 1998 ranked as the hottest on record, and the ten warmest years on record have all occurred since 199811.
In the Southern Hemisphere, 2009 was the warmest year since records began in 188012.
The United Nations’ Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) 2007 report projects global temperature rises by century end of between 1.1°C and 6.4°C13.
A 6.4°C rise will have a devastating impact on our planet and all life.