Climate change - a glance in the rearview mirror, and at the road ahead

The article reviews the events that led to the Kyoto protocol and considers possible future developments in international energy policy. Some 'facts' with regard to global temperatures, carbon dioxide levels and impacts on the environment are mentioned together with some phenomena which are less clear. The insurance industry claims that total economic losses from natural events were around $100 bn in the 1970s compared with $500 bn in the 1990s. Although actions have been taken to limit emissions of greenhouse gases, it will take tens or possibly hundreds of years to have an effect on the Earth's climate. It is suggested that the forthcoming US elections and COP6 may influence energy policy