A Companion to the Philosophy of Technology

Chapter 45

Global Warming

SIR JOHN HOUGHTON

Global warming is often described as the most important problem the world faces in the twenty-first century. It is an example of global pollution. Emissions of the gas carbon dioxide into the atmosphere from the burning of fossil fuels – coal, oil and gas – to which we all contribute, are leading to damaging climate change – so affecting everyone in the world. Global pollution demands global solutions. This article will outline the scientific basis for human-induced climate change, then summarize the main impacts on human communities and ecosystems, and finally mention the action that needs to be taken to mitigate the change and adapt to it.