How long have scientists been investigating human influences on climate?

Early 19th century

History for climate change studies began only in the early 19th century. Well, there really was no need until then!

In the very beginning, investigations were more about ice ages and other natural changes in climate. It was during these investigations that the natural greenhouse effect was first identified.

1960s

Starting 1960s, scientists started getting convinced about the role played by CO2 in global warming. During the 1970s, these opinions and convictions were further reaffirmed.

Until now, the harmful effects of human emissions were still not of great interest – it was per se more an understanding of the greenhouse effect and its contribution to global warming.

1980s and 90s

It was only in the late eighties and the early nineties that strong correlations started to emerge between human emissions and increased global warming. As a result of better computer models and more focussed observational work, a consensus position formed: Not only were greenhouse gases deeply involved in global warming and resulting climate changes, but also human-activity related emissions were resulting in the latest increases global warming.

Last 2 decades

Since the late 1990s, scientific research on climate change has shifted its goals. It was no longer about confirming correlations between human activities and global warming – this was already considered an established fact.

The last 2 decades of climate change research has become more intricate, has also expanded in scope and is now far more multi-disciplinary. Such research has expanded our understanding of causal relations, links with historic data and the ability to model climate change numerically.