If you’re like me when it comes to assessing information, sometimes it’s best to go to the “horse’s mouth” so to speak. In this case, when I wanted to learn some facts about what was really going on with global warming I went to the EPA and got answers to some questions I had been pondering.Here’s what I found out:What are the most important greenhouse gases? Where are they coming from and how have they changed? Many greenhouse gases, like water vapor and carbon dioxide (CO2), occur naturally. Fuel burning and other human activities are adding large amounts of carbon dioxide and other gases to the natural mix at a faster rate than at any other time on record. Other important greenhouse gases produced by human activity include methane (CH4), nitrous oxide (N2O), hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs), perfluorocarbons (PFCs) and sulfur hexafluoride (SF6). Since 1750, atmospheric concentrations of CO2, CH4 and N2O have increased by over 36 percent, 148 percent and 18 percent, respectively. Scientists have concluded that this is due primarily to human activity.How are the terms climate change, global warming, and global change different? The term climate change is often used as if it means the same thing as the term global warming. According to the National Academy of Sciences; however, “the phrase ‘climate change’ is growing in preferred use to ‘global warming’ because it helps convey that there are other changes in addition to rising temperatures.”

• Climate change refers to any distinct change in measures of climate lasting for a long period of time. In other words, “climate change” means major changes in temperature, rainfall, snow, or wind patterns lasting for decades or longer.
• Global warming is an average increase in temperatures near the Earth’s surface and in the lowest layer of the atmosphere. Increases in temperatures in our Earth’s atmosphere can contribute to changes in global climate patterns. Global warming can be considered part of climate change along with changes in precipitation, sea level, etc.
• Global change is a broad term that refers to changes in the global environment, including climate change, ozone depletion, and land use change.

Will a warming climate have more positive or negative effects? A warming climate will have both positive and negative impacts. Local impacts are the most difficult to predict, making it a challenge to know exactly who or what will be harmed or benefit. Generally, the risk of negative impacts from climate change increases the faster it warms. More rapid climate change makes adapting to change more difficult and costly. This is especially true for vulnerable groups (such as the poor, the very young and older adults) and fragile ecosystems which may struggle to adapt to even small changes. The IPCC suggests that temperature increases above the range of 3.5 to 5.5F over the next 100 years would dramatically increase the negative impacts of climate change. So a major aim of climate action is to reduce the risk and likelihood of large, rapid warming.How might global warming and climate change affect my health and well-being? Because global temperatures, precipitation, sea levels and the frequency of some extreme weather are expected to increase, climate change could affect you in many ways. Our health, agriculture, forests, water resources, energy, coasts, wildlife and recreational opportunities would all react to climate changes.

• Health: Longer, more intense and frequent heat waves may cause more heat-related death and illness. There is virtual certainty of declining air quality in cities since greater heat can also worsen air pollution such as ozone, or smog. Insect-bourne illnesses are also likely to increase as many insect ranges expand. Climate change health effects are especially serious for the very young, very old, or for those with heart and respiratory problems. Conversely, warmer winter temperatures may reduce the negative health impacts from cold weather.

• Agriculture and Forestry: The supply and cost of food may change as farmers and the food industry adapt to new climate patterns. A small amount of warming coupled with increasing CO2 may benefit certain crops, plants and forests, although the impacts of vegetation depend also on the availability of water and nutrients. For warming of more than a few degrees, the effects are expected to become increasingly negative, especially for vegetation near the warm end of its suitable range.

• Water Resources: In a warming climate, extreme events like floods and droughts are likely to become more frequent. More frequent floods and droughts will affect water quality and availability. For example, increases in drought in some areas may increase the frequency of water shortages and lead to more restrictions on water usage. An overall increase in precipitation may increase water availability in some regions, but also create greater flood potential.

• Coasts: If you live along the coast, your home may be impacted by sea level rise and an increase in storm intensity. Rising seas may contribute to enhanced coastal erosion, coastal flooding, loss of coastal wetlands, and increased risk of property loss from storm surges.