Global warming is the sustained increase in the average temperature of the earth's atmosphere. Human activity contributes to this change through the buildup of heat-trapping greenhouse gases. Over time, this increase may be sufficient to cause climatic change, including raising sea levels, altering precipitation patterns and changing water supplies and crop yields. Global warming could also affect human health, harm wildlife and damage fragile ecosystems. Through its monitoring activities, regulations and voluntary programs such as EnergyStar and WasteWise, the EPA encourages energy conservation and the use of alternative energy sources. By reducing the use of fossil fuels and promoting clean alternatives, the EPA is helping to minimize the buildup of heat-trapping industrial greenhouse gases.

Recommended EPA Web pages

• Climate Change
  Site gives information and links to information on global warming.
• Climate Change - Science
  Discusses the effects of the rise in the Earth's temperature over the past century.
• Climate Change: What You Can Do
  Today, action is occurring at every level to reduce, to avoid, and to better understand the risks associated with climate change.

Air Pollution
Certification Programs, Community Involvement, Industrial Air Pollution, New Source Review, Research, State Implementation Plans, Stationary Sources, Testing, Transboundary Pollution, Urban Air Pollution

Air Pollution Control
Abatement, Remediation, Treatment

Air Pollution Effects
Global Warming, Acid Rain, Climate Change, Economic Effects, Environmental Effects, Health Effects, Heat Island Effect, Risk Assessment

Air Pollution Legal Aspects
Compliance, Enforcement, Guidance, Legislation, Permits, Public Comment, Regulations, Reporting, Standards

Air Quality
Air Quality Criteria, Attainment, Early Action Compacts, Emission Factor, Emission Inventory, Emissions, Emissions Measurement, Emissions Trading, Measurement, Models, Monitoring, Nonattainment

Atmosphere
Carbon Sequestration, Climate Change, Global Warming, Ground Level Ozone, Ozone Depletion, Ozone Layer, Ozone Monitoring, Ozone Transport, Smog, Ultraviolet Radiation (UV)

Indoor Air Pollution
Building Related Illness, Carbon Monoxide, Environmental Tobacco Smoke, Fireplaces, Mercury, Mold, Radon, Sick Building Syndrome, Stoves, Vermiculite, World Trade Center Dust Cleanup

Mobile Sources
Airplanes, Automobiles, Diesels, Engines, Fuels, Inspection and Maintenance, Lawn and Garden Equipment, Locomotives, Marine Engines, Motorcycles, Trucks and Buses, Used Oil Recycling, Vehicle Emissions