Global Climate Change Fact Sheet Series

The department's Climate Change Fact Sheet series provides an introduction to current scientific understanding of greenhouse gases and their complex interaction with other factors, including aerosols, which influence climate.

As the Climate Change Fact Sheets explain, greenhouse gases such as carbon dioxide help to warm the earth; they are vital to keep earth's temperature livable. However, human activities such as fossil fuel combustion have been increasing the concentration of greenhouse gases in the atmosphere. We are also adding small particles and droplets called aerosols that reflect light back into space and tend to cause some areas to cool; however, the greenhouse gases that warm the earth stay in the atmosphere longer than the aerosols that cool the earth. Many scientists are concerned that the accelerating increase in greenhouse gases will lead to climate change.

 

 

Greenhouse Gas Trends and Projections Report (08/99)

Missouri Action Options for Reducing Greenhouse Gas Emissions, Booklet--PUB1447 (07/02) PDF