‘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.
Researchers have found that the Ganges River could be for depositing three billion microplastic particles into the Bay of Bengal daily - impacting 655 million people.
A new study examines the agricultural impact of multinational land deals, which are found to be directly harmful to local food security and livelihoods.
Researchers at the University of California found that climate change will move the tropical rain belt by 2100 - significantly impacting the food security of billions.
They found that electrolytic treatment of wastewater can literally eliminate microplastics - other methods simply separate microplastics from water, creating the problem of unwanted leftovers.
While cities only occupy around 3% of the Earth, they are where 50% of the world's population live - but they are not usually included in global climate calculations, meaning that urban environmental problems can slip under the radar.
Here, Alberto Troccoli explains why and how Europe’s H2020 project SECLI-FIRM continues to offer accurate seasonal climate forecasting which can reduce risk and cost alike for energy and water businesses.
Sergio Ponsá talks about the valorization of the wastes generated by the dairy industry to recover phosphorous, a relevant macronutrient for plant growth that currently depends on a critical raw material.
Here Professor Richard Beardsworth, University of Leeds, continues his series on progressive state leadership by suggesting how it can spearhead the political vision of sustainable development.
