Better plant varieties, chemical fertilizers and agricultural management contributed to the great increase in agricultural yields of the past century, but part of the increase almost certainly came from additional CO2 in the atmosphere.

WSJ: Sixteen Concerned Scientists: No Need to Panic About Global Warming

"These billions of tonnes of additional carbon dioxide in our atmosphere will remain there for centuries, causing our planet to warm further and impacting on all aspects of life on Earth, " said WMO Secretary-General Michel Jarraud.

BBC: Greenhouse gases hit record high

"This proposal gives the Task Force clear direction and focus on near term actions in FY1999 and FY 2000, and an action plan that identifies additional priorities, needs and requirements in FY 2001 and beyond, " said Commerce Undersecretary for Oceans and Atmosphere D.

CNN: Task force announces coral reef protections