Using science to advocate action on climate change

Climate change is probably the greatest threat to global ecosystems that hu manity has ever faced. Greenhouse gases, primarily from the production and combustion of fossil fuels for human energy needs, are heating up our atmos phere, changing our climate, and threatening the health and well-being of p eople the world over. Pre dieted consequences of climate change include mor e frequent extreme weather events such as intensive precipitation, drought and floods, rising sea levels, increased smog in cities, and the possible s pread of tropical diseases to more temperate dimes. These grim effects can be limited if societies throughout the world act quickly to reduce greenhou se gas emissions. Substantially reducing emissions, however, means a fundam ental shift in the way we produce and consume energy. To help bring about c hange, scientists, health professionals and nongovernment organizations suc h as the David Suzuki Foundation must work together to educate and motivate the public, industries, business organizations, and governments to take ac tions that will reduce the threat of global warming.