NRDC: Global Warming: In Brief

In this Section

Issues: Global Warming

In Brief Articles

Global Warming Solutions
Overview: Solving global warming means investing in clean energy, green jobs and smart energy solutions. We can’t afford delay. This five-step plan will repower, refuel and rebuild America, starting today.
Global Warming: A Roundtable Discussion
Interview: On this page experts from NRDC and beyond talk about why global warming is such a pressing problem and what we can do to solve it. Listen to their various perspectives and then join the fight. [Audio]
Global Warming Basics
FAQ: Answers to questions including: What causes global warming? Is there really cause for serious concern? How can we cut global warming pollution?
How to Fight Global Warming
Guide: The biggest cause of global warming is the carbon dioxide released when fossil fuels are burned for energy. So when you save energy, you fight global warming and save money, too. Here are some easy steps that you can take to help make a difference.
Consequences of Global Warming
Overview: A hotter planet means dirtier air and water, more severe floods and droughts, more wildfires and other serious consequences.
ACES redirect
Overview: This redirects the old ACES URL to the new more specific ACES page and preserves this URL for general global warming legislation.
Clean Energy and Climate Legislation
Overview: The Senate is considering the most important environmental vote of our generation: a clean energy and climate bill that could create nearly 2 million jobs, spur innovation in our economy, cut our dependence on foreign oil, and make our nation more secure. A comprehensive climate and energy bill that includes a cap to reduce emissions would provide the incentives that will create a foundation for the development of a clean energy economy in the United States.
Obama Takes Action on Clean Cars
News: Less than a week into office, President Obama announced monumental decisions that show America and the world that he will lead our country in a bold new direction to protect the environment and fight global warming.
Buying Carbon Offsets: What You Need to Know
Guide: When combined with other personal energy-saving efforts, carbon offsets can help you green your home, office and travel. But the key is to shrink your own carbon output first.
Legislative Analysis (Historical): The Climate Security Act, aka the Lieberman-Warner Bill
Overview: In June 2008, the U.S. Senate voted on but did not pass legislation to address the climate crisis. This page compiles NRDC analyses of many aspects of that bill. See also our analyses of the current legislation and the benefits of cap-and-trade policies.
California Clean Car Law Prevails over Big Auto Challenge
Overview: A landmark law restricting global warming pollution from cars is upheld in court.
An Economic Blueprint for Solving Global Warming
Overview: An Economic Blueprint for Solving Global Warming
Have a Cool Holiday
Guide: Quality time with family and friends, festive decorations and whirlwind shopping are important parts of the holiday season. With a few smart choices, you can do all of these things and help fight global warming.
Global Warming on Trial
Opinion: NRDC and a coalition of states took the case for curbing global pollution to the Supreme Court.
Crown Jewels at Risk
Guide: Without quick action to halt global warming, our favorite national parks could lose some of their splendor.
California Signs Landmark Global Warming Legislation
News: California makes history by becoming the first state in the nation to set concrete limits on statewide global warming pollution.
An Interview with Elizabeth Kolbert
Interview: New Yorker writer Elizabeth Kolbert speaks with NRDC's Phil Gutis about storytelling's role in solving global warming.
Global Warming Puts the Arctic on Thin Ice
FAQ: Answers to questions including: What kinds of changes are taking place in the Arctic now? Will Arctic ice melt have any effects beyond the polar region? Can we do anything to stop global warming?
Global Warming Threatens Cold-Water Fish
News: A 2002 study finds that as planetary temperatures rise, salmon and trout are likely to disappear from streams across the United States -- unless global warming pollution is reduced.
Global Warming Threatens Florida
News: An October 2001 study finds that the far-reaching effects of global warming will transform Florida's climate, coastline and treasured natural areas in ways that will profoundly affect the state's economy and agriculture, as well as the health of its people.
How Global Warming Will Affect Floridians
Overview: Climate change is bringing big alterations to our landscapes, and big costs with it -- especially for coastal communities. These pages show how Floridians in different professions and different age groups, with various hobbies and from various walks of life are all facing a profoundly different Sunshine State.
Map: A Snapshot of Global Warming's Threat to Florida
Overview: Scientists at Florida's top universities have put together a picture of Florida's future in light of the phenomenon of global climate change, and it's not pretty. Here's a snapshot of how global warming will hit home in the Sunshine State.
Polar Thaw: Global Warming in the Arctic and Antarctic
Photo Album: Award-winning photographer Gary Braasch undertook his 'World View of Global Warming' project to document the impacts of global climate change, continent by continent. These photographs illustrate his visits to the Earth's polar caps, where temperature changes have so far been the most pronounced.