Climate change is the warming of our planet, caused by human activity. It is the worst environmental problem we face today. Most scientists and governments around the world agree that climate change will damage or destroy many natural ecosystems and human communities.
    When we speak of climate change, we are referring to changes in the climate of the Earth as a whole. Climate change is happening due to an increased concentration of certain gases in the atmosphere.  These heat-trapping gases are becoming more concentrated in the Earth's atmosphere, trapping more heat in the process.  The most prevalent of these gases is carbon dioxide, released from burning coal, oil and natural gas in power plants, cars, factories and so on as well as through large scale deforestation.
   
The warming to which we are currently committed is likely to cause irreversible damage to some unique ecosystems and the extinction of many endemic species. Significant damages to agriculture in some developing countries, growing water shortages, and increasing exposure to health risks will also occur. Simply put, the world is already in the grip of dangerous climate change.