Environmental pressure, theme of Climate change: introduction

Greenhouse effect

The presence of greenhouse gases in the atmosphere, such as carbon dioxide (CO₂), methane (CH₄) and nitrous oxide (N₂O), affects the climate. These substances retain heat radiated by the earth, producing the 'greenhouse effect'. The result is that the earth warms up. These gases occur naturally in the atmosphere and are released during natural processes. The increase in the global temperature induced by these substances is therefore a natural process.

Human impact on the climate

Anthropogenic activities, in particular the combustion of the fossil fuels oil, coal and gas, lead to a disturbance of the natural balance. Emissions of CO₂ generated by that combustion cause an additional increase in the concentration of CO₂. This can lead to an additional increase in the global temperature and local climate disruption. Hence the term enhanced greenhouse effect.
Carbon dioxide (CO₂) emissions account for more than 60% of human impact on the climate.

Response of the climate system to anthropogenic factors

Due to the slow response time and natural fluctuations in the climate system, the consequences of human influences on the climate only become apparent after a considerable period of time. Nevertheless, the highest average surface temperatures on earth since 1880 have been recorded in the last ten years. This is also the case for the Netherlands. Some observed changes in natural ecosystems appear to be linked to climate change.

Impact of climate change

The consequences of climate change caused by the enhanced greenhouse effect may be considerable. Throughout the world, rising sea levels, alterations in rainfall patterns and evaporation, possibly causing drought, will result in ecological, social and economic transformations.
The Intergovernmental Panel for Climate Change (IPCC) describes every few years the state of scientific knowledge with respect to the enhanced greenhouse effect, the possible impact and the policy options.

References

• RIVM (2000). National Environmental Outlook 5 2000-2030. Samsom bv, Alphen aan den Rijn.
• RIVM (2002). Environmental Balance 2002. Kluwer, Alphen aan den Rijn.

Relevant sections and indicators in the Environmental Data Compendium

• Climate change: policy
• See the 'Global air quality' index for the concentrations of greenhouse gases and for data about the greenhouse effect and the consequences for the climate.
• Overview 'environmental themes and impact on nature', with a reference to four indicators about the relationship between the greenhouse effect and nature.

Relevant information outside of the Environmental Data Compendium

• More information about climate change and concentrations of greenhouse gases can be found on the websites of the IPCC (Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change) and ETC/ACC (European Topic Center on Air and Climate Change)
• Information about Dutch climate policy can be found on the website of the Ministry of Housing, Spatial Planning and the Environment
• Information about current and future developments in methane concentrations can be found in Environmental Balance 2002 and National Environmental Outlook 2000-2030, both of which are RIVM publications.
• Information about the plans of political parties relating to climate policy can be found in 'Verkiezingen 2002' (RIVM, report no. 408 129 025). Bilthoven.