Global Climate Change
Understanding Climate Change

Understanding climate change is difficult because of the complexity of the Earth's systems. Nonetheless efforts are underway to improve our knowledge of the climate system and our impacts on it. The following links provide more information and background on the science of climate change.

Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change

The IPCC is a scientific, intergovernmental body set up by the World Meteorological Organization and by the United Nations Environment Programme. It was established to provide decision-makers and others interested in climate change with an objective source of information about climate change. The IPCC does not conduct any research nor does it monitor climate related data or parameters. Its role is to assess, on a comprehensive, objective, open and transparent basis, the latest scientific, technical and socio-economic literature produced worldwide, relevant to the understanding of the risk of human-induced climate change, its observed and projected impacts and options for adaptation and mitigation.

• To read more visit the IPCC home page [exit DNR]

The main activity of the IPCC is to provide, in regular intervals, Assessment Reports of the state of knowledge on climate change. The First Assessment Report was completed in 1990. The latest one is "Climate Change 2007," the Fourth Assessment Report, for which the IPCC was honored with the Nobel Peace Prize. Each Assessment Report has four components: contributions from three Working Groups (Physical Science, Impacts and Adaptation, and Mitigation) and a Synthesis Report which pulls this information together. For each of these four components a Summary for Policymakers is written which presents IPCC findings in concise and accessible writing.

• Climate Change 2007: Synthesis Report - Summary for Policymakers [PDF exit DNR]

U.S. EPA - Climate Change

EPA's Climate Change Site offers comprehensive information on the issue of climate change in a way that is accessible and meaningful to all parts of society – communities, individuals, business, states and localities, and governments. Topics include: Basic Information, Frequently Asked Questions, Health and Environmental Effects and What You Can Do.

• To read more visit the EPA Climate Change home page [exit DNR]

U.S. Climate Change Science Program

The U.S. Climate Change Science Program integrates federal research on climate and global change, as sponsored by thirteen federal agencies and overseen by the Office of Science and Technology Policy, the Council on Environmental Quality, the National Economic Council and the Office of Management and Budget.

• To read more visit the Climate Change Science Program home page [exit DNR]

Pew Center on Global Climate Change

The Pew Center on Global Climate Change is a non-profit, non-partisan and independent organization. The Center's mission is to provide credible information, straight answers, and innovative solutions in the effort to address global climate change. Working on an issue that is often polarized and politicized, the Pew Center provides a forum for objective research and analysis and for the development of pragmatic policies and solutions. A nonprofit, tax-exempt organization under Internal Revenue Code section 501(c)(3), the Pew Center is supported by a range of individuals and charitable organizations.

• To read more visit the Pew Center home page [exit DNR]

Wisconsin State Climatology Office

The state climatologist collects data and information for climate monitoring, provides climate information to residents of Wisconsin, demonstrates the value of climate information in the decision making process to the user community, and conducts applied climate research.

• To read more visit the State Climatology Office home page [exit DNR]

Global Warming is Hot Stuff!

From EEK! Environmental Education for Kids, DNR's electronic magazine for kids in grades 4-8.

• Global Warming is Hot Stuff!

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