The 1980s and 1990s are the warmest decades on record. The 10 warmest years in global meteorological history have all occurred in the past 15 years. The 20th century has been the warmest globally in the last 600 years. Most experts agree that average global temperatures could rise by 1 to 3.5 degrees Celsius over the next century. In Canada, this could mean an increase in annual mean temperatures in some regions of between 5 and 10 degrees.
Climate change is more than a warming trend.
Increasing temperatures will lead to changes in many aspects of weather, such as wind patterns, the amount and type of precipitation, and the types and frequency of severe weather events that may be expected to occur. WWF's campaign is raising public concern about the need to cut emissions, pressing policymakers to introduce effective measures, and forming innovative partnerships with progressive businesses. Global warming is increasingly being recognized as an urgent problem that affects people's everyday lives, but one that can be solved. Shareholders, customers and the media are increasingly asking whether companies are acting responsibly. Soon, we believe, they'll be asking whether a company is preparing for the future with its own climate change policy and CO2-reduction plan.