Climate Change

Greenhouse Gases: Lifegivers and Lifetakers

In nature’s brutal irony, the gases that make life on Earth possible now threaten our very existence. Read our greenhouse gas profiles and find out why CO2, methane, and nitrous oxide might end up killing their own creation.

A RECIPE for Profitable Climate Action

Europe could profit from early climate protection even if no one else joins in, finds the RECIPE study commissioned by Allianz and WWF.

Taking on Climate Change Myths and Sceptics

Stefan Rahmstorf is one of the most outspoken critics of climate change sceptics. Here he tackles the most common climate change myths.

Global Warming Basics
What is Global Warming?

What is Global Warming?

Everybody is talking about "climate change" and "global warming". But what is global warming, actually?

 

Climate Impacts
Arctic Monopoly: The Great Game Revisited

Arctic Monopoly: The Great Game Revisited

Scientists estimate that one quarter of all untapped oil and gas reserves lie in the Arctic. Global warming is making them accessible, prompting intense competition for the resources of the North. Science journalist Christoph Seidler describes this “Arctic Monopoly”.

 


Climate Agenda
Bend it like Beijing

Bend it like Beijing

With the climate conference in Copenhagen less than two months away, Pakistani climate expert Adil Najam talks about unresolved issues and explains why he thinks China will save the world.

 

Climate Solutions
A RECIPE for Profitable Climate Action

A RECIPE for Profitable Climate Action

Europe could profit from early climate protection even if no other countries join in, according to the RECIPE study published by Allianz and WWF. But here is the catch: we have to act before 2020 to make any meaningful impact, and some industries will suffer while others prosper.

 


Climate Politics
Germany Leads G8 Climate Ranking

Germany Leads G8 Climate Ranking

Mankind must confront climate change decisively. But where do we stand? Germany, the UK, and France lead. The United States has promised much. Canada and Russia are in retreat. Overall, action is “insufficient”, reports the 2009 edition of the WWF/Allianz G8 Climate Scorecards.

 

Climate and Business
Global Warming Protection: The Role of Insurance

Global Warming Protection: The Role of Insurance

Can insurance protect the world from financial losses due to destructive climate change? Walter Stahel, head of risk management research at the Geneva Association, an insurance think tank, discusses what’s possible and what isn’t.

 

Climate Profiles
India Climate Change Profile: Growth vs. Climate?

India Climate Change Profile: Growth vs. Climate?

Only economic growth will allow India to lift hundreds of millions of its citizens out of extreme poverty. But rapid Indian development also increases pressure on the global climate. How will India face this dilemma?

 

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Quick Facts

  • Without greenhouse gases, average temperatures on Earth would be -18°C (0°F).
  • Carbon dioxide is responsible for about 70% of man-made global warming.
  • Most scientists say that global warming of more than 2°C would be disastrous.

Animation: G8 Ranking

Click on the image to see how the G8 countries are doing in the fight against climate change.

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