The term “climate change” refers to changes in long-term trends in climate that have been caused by human activity. Since the industrial revolution, the extensive use of coal and petroleum has resulted in large amounts of carbon dioxide being emitted to the atmosphere. Extensive land clearing has had similar results.

Concern by Governments around the world that this activity was impacting the climate, led to the establishment of the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC).

Over the last 15 years, the IPCC has been reviewing research work in this area – with the goal to collate and summarise the published reports of scientists’ research into various aspects of climate change. The three areas of focus are the science, adaptation and mitigation.  Scientists from all countries participate in the review process and Australian scientists are over-represented.

The findings of the IPCC are published every four years, with the fourth report published in 2007. The reports present a best case, worst case and most likely case scenario for predictions about future climate.

The results of these reports are that many Governments have introduced legislation to encourage industry and individuals to reduce carbon emissions. The EU has had a cap and trade system for a number of years, with Australia about to adopt a similar system.

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