Global warming is one of the 21st century's most monumental challenge. This describes the increase in global temperatures that are taking effect as a result of burning fossil fuels and an intensification of the greenhouse effect. Carbon dioxide and methane are the primary greenhouse gases which enable the Earth to retain more and more heat from the sun.
Global warming is the most potent example of climate change; which is the term used generally to describe shifts in climatological patterns bought about by humans. Since industrialisation, average global temperatures have risen by approximately 0.9°C (1.6°F). However, rises in temperature are not uniform and affect different regions more profoundly than others. The polar regions, with rises of over 10°C (1.8°F) are the most adversely hit. Here the ecosystem is radically changing by warming waters around glaciers and ice sheets that are speeding up the melting process.
Elsewhere the effects are characterised by intensifying heatwaves, droughts and tropical storms. The severity of the consequences have started to instigate major changes to resource consumption habits. Countries are pledging ever greater resources and effort into the development of renewable energy, cleaner waste management solutions and more sustainable farming practices.