Publication

The measurable increase in average global temperatures, termed “global warming” and linked to increases in “greenhouse” gases in the Earth’s atmosphere, has led to international efforts to achieve reductions of emissions of those gases from human activities, as well as domestic debates in the United States concerning the appropriate policies to address related concerns. This report briefly reviews the status of scientific research on the underpinnings of global climate change, and briefly outlines both international action and domestic policies, including legislation in the 109th Congress to address climate change.