Abstract
One of the biggest scientific and political challenges of the 21st century is the ongoing climate change
caused by increase in greenhouse gases. Climate change refers to significant changes in global
temperature, precipitation, wind patterns and other measures of climate that occur over several
decades or longer. The changes are evidenced in increased average sea levels; rising maximum
temperatures; rising minimum temperatures; higher ocean temperatures; heavier precipitation (heavy rain
and hail); shrinking glaciers and thawing permafrost. Climate change is being attributed to increase in
greenhouse gases (carbon IV oxide, methane, water vapour and nitrous oxide) which act as a blanket,
blocking heat from escaping to the atmosphere, thus warming up the earth. Scientists have blamed human
activities for the increase in greenhouse gases. However, there is enough evidence that microbes are major
generators of greenhouse gases, yet, they are often left out in discussions on climate change. This paper
draws attention of scientists to microbial activities which are major contributors to greenhouse gases, as
well as their role in the “sinking” of the said gases. The paper also takes a look at the responses of microbes
to climate change as well as how they can play a role in remediation of climate change.

Key words: climate change, microbial world, greenhouse gases, contributions, responses.