ECO GLOBAL MARKETS INFORMATION

When fossil fuels and wood are burnt they release greenhouse gasesGases in the earth’s atmosphere that absorb and re-emit infra-red radiation. These gases occur through natural and human-influenced processes. Carbon dioxideA naturally occurring gas and one of the most abundant greenhouse gases in the atmosphere. Carbon dioxide is also a by-product of industrial processes, burning fossil fuels and land use changes., methane, nitrous oxide, hydrofluorocarbons, perfluorocarbons, and sulphur hexafluoride are the 6 GHGs subject to emission reduction in the Kyoto Protocol. that occur naturally in the atmosphere, making the average temperature around 15°C. Without this protective ‘blanket’ our world would be a much colder.

However, additional greenhouse gasesGases in the earth’s atmosphere that absorb and re-emit infra-red radiation. These gases occur through natural and human-influenced processes. Carbon dioxideA naturally occurring gas and one of the most abundant greenhouse gases in the atmosphere. Carbon dioxide is also a by-product of industrial processes, burning fossil fuels and land use changes., methane, nitrous oxide, hydrofluorocarbons, perfluorocarbons, and sulphur hexafluoride are the 6 GHGs subject to emission reduction in the Kyoto Protocol. produced by mankind has significantly altered the composition of the atmosphere and increased the average temperature of the Earth. This is causing human-induced climate change. To stop this spiralling out of control, we must radically reduce emissions of greenhouse gasesGases in the earth’s atmosphere that absorb and re-emit infra-red radiation. These gases occur through natural and human-influenced processes. Carbon dioxideA naturally occurring gas and one of the most abundant greenhouse gases in the atmosphere. Carbon dioxide is also a by-product of industrial processes, burning fossil fuels and land use changes., methane, nitrous oxide, hydrofluorocarbons, perfluorocarbons, and sulphur hexafluoride are the 6 GHGs subject to emission reduction in the Kyoto Protocol. into the atmosphere.

The real impact of climate change remains worryingly uncertain, with consequences for all communities, species and environments across the world. Effects include:

• Extreme weather causing drought and flooding
• Irreversible loss of many species of plants and animals.
• Rising sea levels, threatening freshwater supplies because of salt water intrusion.