ABSTRACT
This chapter briefly describes the major aspects of climate change science, including the terminology and primary information sources. It provides insight into the arguments that support human—induced climate change and counterclaims against the sceptics' view that climate change is either naturally occurring, or otherwise non-existent. Projections for many areas are for a hotter climate and potentially more frequent extreme events. Narrowing the focus towards the undeniable evidence allows us to better identify physical and chemical changes that cannot be explained away as outcomes of pure chance or naturally occurring climate cycles. It is important to note that observed urban heat-island effects have not biased the overall average temperature trend. This has been a popular source of criticism against some scientific reports. One of the more contentious aspects is the use of climate models to generate climate, as well as economic projections.
