‘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.
Read about the unique challenges coastal regions face from human activities and the combined crisis of pollution, biodiversity loss, and climate change.
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.
Darrel Baumgardner, Chief Scientist at Droplet Measurement Technologies LLC asks if cloud seeding can partially mitigate the environmental impact of climate change, in this the first part of a series of special articles, starting with some basic principles.
Stephen Skinner, Professor of Materials Chemistry at Imperial College London, explores the possible routes available to produce clean hydrogen and ensure a low carbon future.
We spoke with Dr Teresa de la Cruz, Project Manager at Zaragoza Logistics Center and Dr Georgia Ayfantopoulou, Research Director, Deputy Director Hellenic Institute of Transport, Centre for Research and Technology Hellas, about their work to create a universal set of policies for sustainable mobility.
Here, we interview Dr Elica M. Moss, a Research Assistant Professor in Environmental Health and Environmental Toxicology at the Alabama A&M University.
Jess K. Zimmerman, Professor at the University of Puerto Rico, charts the challenges to tropical forest resilience to hurricane damage revealed by long-term research in Puerto Rico.
In the glacial period, sea ice decreases occurred at a similar time to drastic climate change and created intensive debate among scientists - now, the ICE2ICE project has a conclusive answer for what happened.
