The paper introduces the main research progress of global climate change and its impact and futuredirections based on the IPCC second assessment, the climate Agenda and other articles. The paper is outlined in five parts:1. International programs associated with climate① The world climate programme(WCP) is organized into four major sub-programs.② The international Geosphere-Biosphere Programme (IGBP) is organized into six core projects andthree activities.③ The Human Dissensions of Global Environmental Change (HDP).④ The Global Climate Observing System (GCOS)2. The new progress of the climate change science.3. The new progress of the impact of climate change.4. The four critical climate thrusts are:① Climate services for sustainable development② New frontiers in climate science and prediction ③ Dedicated observations of the climate system④ Studies of climate impact assessments and response strategies to reduce vulnerability.5. Future prospect