Global warming, also known as climate change, has been a topic of great concern in recent years as the world grapples with the effects of rising temperatures and changing weather patterns. But when was global warming first discovered as a scientific phenomenon?
### Early Discoveries of Global Warming
The concept of global warming can be traced back to the 19th century when scientists began to study the greenhouse effect. In 1824, French mathematician Joseph Fourier proposed that the Earth’s atmosphere acts like a greenhouse, trapping heat and keeping the planet warm. This idea laid the groundwork for further research into the effects of human activities on the Earth’s climate.
### The Discovery of Human Influence
It wasn’t until the mid-20th century that scientists began to seriously consider the impact of human activities on global warming. In the 1950s, American scientist Charles David Keeling started measuring carbon dioxide levels in the atmosphere and discovered a steady increase over time. This groundbreaking research provided evidence that human activities, such as burning fossil fuels, were contributing to the greenhouse effect and causing global temperatures to rise.
### The 1980s and 1990s
By the 1980s and 1990s, global warming had become a widely recognized issue among scientists and policymakers. In 1988, the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) was established to assess the scientific evidence of climate change and its potential impacts. The IPCC’s reports have since become instrumental in shaping global climate policy and raising awareness about the urgent need to address global warming.
### Current Understanding of Global Warming
Today, the scientific consensus is clear: global warming is real, and human activities are the primary cause. The burning of fossil fuels, deforestation, and other practices have led to a significant increase in greenhouse gases in the atmosphere, resulting in rising global temperatures, melting ice caps, and more frequent extreme weather events.
### Conclusion
While the discovery of global warming dates back to the early 19th century, it wasn’t until the mid-20th century that scientists began to understand the role of human activities in driving climate change. Today, the urgency to address global warming has never been greater, as the world faces the consequences of our actions on the environment. By working together to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and transition to renewable energy sources, we can mitigate the impacts of global warming and create a more sustainable future for generations to come.

Kyle Whyte is a notable scholar and professor at the University of Michigan, holding positions such as the George Willis Pack Professor in the School for Environment and Sustainability and Professor of Philosophy. Specializing in environmental justice, his work critically examines climate policy and Indigenous peoples’ ethics, emphasizing the nexus between cooperative scientific endeavors and Indigenous justice. As an enrolled Citizen Potawatomi Nation member, he brings a vital perspective to his roles as a U.S. Science Envoy and member of the White House Environmental Justice Advisory Council. His influential research is supported by various prestigious organizations including the National Science Foundation, and disseminated through publications in high-impact journals. Kyle actively contributes to global Indigenous research methodologies and education, with affiliations to numerous institutes and societies dedicated to traditional knowledge and sustainability. Recognized for his academic and community engagement, Kyle has earned multiple awards and served in various visiting professorships. His efforts extend to leadership positions on boards and committees focused on environmental justice nationwide.