How are humans responsible for global warming?

Deforestation and burning fossil fuels are chief culprits




Greenhouse gases trap heat

When we extract and burn fossil fuels such as coal or petroleum, we cause the release of carbon dioxide and other heat-trapping “greenhouse gases” into the atmosphere.



Losing forests makes it worse



So what do we do about it?

To make real progress at the global level we need to convince leaders to create laws that improve our energy policy, and push companies to adopt sustainable business practices.

It may seem like an insurmountable task, but there is a path forward.

Make your voice heard

The single biggest thing you can do is tell your leaders where you stand and voice your support for climate legislation.

Sign up for action alerts and you’ll join a powerful group of more than one million members helping the world toward a different path.

Scientists are more confident than ever that humans are responsible.

Ilissa Ocko Climate Scientist

The impact of humans

  • 95%the scientific certainty that humans are to blame
  • 7.2°Fthe highest predicted surface temperature increase by 2100

Source: 2013 Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change report

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Scientific information drawn mostly from EPA's Climate Change coverage.