Chapter 2 A review of the current science of climate change

Abstract

The observed increase in the atmospheric concentration of greenhouse gases since the industrial period, due to human activities, is very likely causing the warming of the climate system. Anthropogenic warming and rising sea levels will continue for centuries due to the time scales associated with climate processes and feedbacks. Even if greenhouse gas concentrations were to be stabilized, different types of adaptation measures are needed to cope with the inevitable change. At the same time mitigation measures aiming at decreasing greenhouse gas emissions and enhancing carbon sinks must be taken in order to reduce the potential extent of global warming. This chapter covers the main aspects of the current understanding of the physical basis of climate change, including the directly measured observations and estimated projections for the 21st century. Causes and effects of climate change are also addressed. Finally, the main uncertainties of climate projections and a few general considerations on the different ways to respond to the climate change issue are discussed.

Citation

Rodríguez-Camino, E. (2010), "Chapter 2 A review of the current science of climate change", Schott, C. (Ed.) Tourism and the Implications of Climate Change: Issues and Actions (Bridging Tourism Theory and Practice, Vol. 3), Emerald Group Publishing Limited, Leeds, pp. 27-48. https://doi.org/10.1108/S2042-1443(2010)0000003005