View source for Global Warming Controversy

The '''controversy over the science of [[global warming]]''' is mainly over the extent of [[human]] contribution to warming, as well as a dispute over predictions of near-future warming and its effect on human beings and the environment.

Among registered U.S. voters, opinion is split down the middle, with 75% of Democrats believing that "the science is settled" in favor of the view of the [[IPCC]], and 73% of Republicans believing that there is no scientific proof.  Both main party candidates for president in the 2008 election, [[John McCain]] and [[Barack Obama]], have stated publicly that the issue is real and urgent.

The Stern Review,<ref>[http://www.hm-treasury.gov.uk/newsroom_and_speeches/press/2006/press_stern_06.cfm  Stern Review on the economics of climate change]</ref> commissioned by the UK Government to look into the economic effects of climate change, concluded that if left unchecked climate change would cost 5% of GDP per year. "In contrast, the costs of action to reduce greenhouse gas emissions to avoid the worst impacts of climate change can be limited to around 1% of global GDP each year."