‘Climate Change’ or ‘Global Warming’ represents a change in global or regional climate patterns. It has been attributed to the increased levels of atmospheric carbon dioxide.
It is universally agreed by most scientists that the main cause of global warming is the human expansion of the ‘Greenhouse Effect’. Human activities across the globe are changing the natural greenhouse. The burning of fossil fuels like coal and oil have increased the concentration of atmospheric carbon dioxide. the consequences of changing the natural greenhouse are not easy to accurately predict. However there are a number of possible effects such as the excessive heating and cooling of certain regions. The heating of regions such at the north and south pole will result in the melting of ice capes and increase sea levels.
Despite the immense research and evidence there is still debate from some as to the existence of the issue.
Debate?
Many faces in the media, have openly argued against the existence of Climate change. Most famous of which being US President Donald Trump. He has on the record stated that he believes Climate Change is a Hoax created by the Chinese.
Since the late 19th Century the average surface temperature of the planet has risen by around 0.9 degrees Celsius. Research states that most warming has occurred over the last 35 years and the 5 hottest temperatures being since 2010. So it seems almost comical to suggest that the topic could be a Hoax. However it’s true that the leader of one of the top world powers denies its existence entirely. even with compelling statistics such as 2016 being the hottest year on record.
There are articles exploring the ways in which different countries around the world tackle their own levels of pollution.
The European Commission has awarded the prestigious EU Mission Label to 39 additional cities as part of the EU Mission for Climate-Neutral and Smart Cities.
A study, published in Applied and Environmental Microbiology, finds that marine bacteria in the Canadian Arctic is capable of biodegrading fossil fuels - specifically, post-oil spill.
With the release of the much-anticipated IPCC report, the decarbonisation race is on - but some countries will have an easier transition to renewable technology, while others will risk their populations and economies.
The IPCC report, which took eight years to compile, finds that human activity is definitely responsible for climate change - putting "billions of people in danger", according to UN chief António Guterres.
Gert-Jan Gruter, Chief Technology Officer, Avantium, discusses how the chemical industry can become more sustainable, reduce plastic pollution and achieve net-zero.
According to Labour, the UK Government lost 75,000 environmental jobs over the last five years - including jobs in solar power, onshore wind, renewable electricity and bioenergy.
The study, published in Economia Politica, finds that the Indian COVID lockdown led to women facing greater food insecurity - due to fluctuations in food prices and pre-existing social issues.
Overheating is creating issues for agriculture across the globe - now, scientists think that adapting plant roots to the heat could protect food security.
If greenhouse gas emissions continue as they are, the average temperature in South America could rise by 4°C - bringing with it more floods and wildfires.
In California, wildfires are a horrific, regular occurrence - now, scientists warn that the natural carbon absorbing effect of the forests will decrease by atleast 9%.
Nadeem Malik, head of UK & Ireland at Software AG, looks at how organisations can build back better and ensure their technology and processes are fit for a greener future.
According to new observations by a Chinese satellite, six gigatons of carbon are emitted over land every year - equivalent to 12 times the mass of all living humans.
