ABSTRACT
This chapter provides a summary of the consequences of global climate change. Climate change is presented as the most significant global environmental hazard facing humankind. The chapter begins with a discussion of the work of the International Committee on Climate Change, established in 1988, and its consensus findings and warnings; in particular, global temperature rise. A history of global climate change policies is presented by summarizing the work and agreements of key international conferences, including the Kyoto Protocol of 1987, the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change of 1992, and the Paris Accord of 2015. Described is the portent of climate change on food security, species endangerment, and human and ecological health. The climate change policies of the U.S. are presented, with a summary of EPA policies developed during the Obama and Trump administrations. Also described are climate change policies of the EU and China. Policies intended for mitigation of the effects of climate change conclude the chapter.
