The Earth's climate changes through natural processes, but also as a result
of our society's greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. GHGs, such as carbon dioxide
and methane, have an insulating effect on our atmosphere. Thus, the Earth
is getting warmer much faster than ever before.
Gases in our atmosphere act like a greenhouse to keep the sun's heat in and help make our planet livable. Without this natural insulation, the Earth's surface would be much colder than it is now.
© Government of Canada
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There has been an unprecedented increase in global temperature over the last
100 years. This can be linked directly to increases in atmospheric carbon
dioxide from human sources. The effects of climate change are evident on a
local to a global scale. Sea levels are rising, polar ice is melting and weather
is becoming less predictable.