The main causes of climate change are: Humanity's increased use of fossil fuels – such as coal, oil and gas to generate electricity, run cars and other forms of transport, and power manufacturing and industry. Deforestation – because living trees absorb and store carbon dioxide.

Polar Bears. Polar bears in many ways have become the symbol of climate change. In 2008, they were listed as a threatened species under the Endangered Species Act -- the first species to be listed because of forecasted population declines from the effects of climate change

Climate change is currently affecting 19% of species listed as threatened on the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species^™, increasing the likelihood of their extinction. The Bramble Cay melomys (Melomys rubicola) is the first mammal reported to have gone extinct as a direct result of climate change.