Industries are burning more and more fossil fuels and our growing use of cars has caused a variety of environmental, social and health impacts. For example, the gases and chemicals released by engines make a large contribution to global warming and air pollution.
The extra carbon dioxide (CO₂) - the gas most responsible for global climate change - released into the atmosphere over the last half century has been linked to a rise in the average global temperature of half a degree Celsius.
The exact nature of the effects of global warming - including rising sea levels (caused by melting ice caps) and climate change - are unclear. However, they are likely to vary from place to place. Parts of southern Europe may become so warm that their tourist industry suffers.