**1. Introduction**

"Global warming" and "climate change" are not synonymous as global warming refers to an increase in the average atmospheric temperature whereas climate change describes the downstream impact of a global temperature increase [1]. Thus, the term climate change will be used preferentially in this manuscript. It should also be stated that weather and climate are not synonymous as weather refers to short term atmospheric fluctuations whereas climate refers to what can be expected over a longer-term period. In this context, an occasional 90 °F or 32 °C summer day in Fairbanks, Alaska would not be an unusual event for its weather whereas 30 consecutive days at this temperature in the autumn might portend climate change. Thus, climate change evolves slowly and is often only discernible in retrospect. A comprehensive understanding of this process requires an interdisciplinary knowledge of mathematics, biology, chemistry, and physics. One must understand the underlying issues to devise viable solutions.

Problem solving requires several steps including identification that a problem exists, discerning the facts, framing the problem, and then proposing solutions. Errors may occur in any step of this process. With respect to climate change, there is no universal agreement that a problem exists. Irrespective of the preponderance of scientific evidence, there continues to be debate on climate change's existence as well as its root causes. Anurag Shurie once remarked that "A half-truth is even more dangerous than a lie. A lie, you can detect at some stage, but a half truth is sure to mislead you for long" [2]. Scientifically speaking, there are no half-truths in that a statement is factually correct or it is not. Most "half-truths" are opinions that reflect a different interpretation of the available data. To paraphrase the late United States Senator Daniel Patrick Moynihan, everyone is entitled to their own opinions but not their own facts. Solutions may only be achieved when all stakeholders agree on the facts that frame the issue as well as the certainty to which these facts have been established. In the absence of such agreements, solutions are unlikely to be achieved. If climate change is to be addressed, then there must be a commitment to accepting reality while understanding that there will always be some level of uncertainty. The next step is to frame the problem such that potential solutions will become apparent. Ideally, the best decision is made based on a risk to benefit analysis with the understanding that the failure to act is also a decision. Given that most of humanity appears to be mired in the fact gathering stage, the author will address the current facts in evidence.
