Climate science 101

It is not my intention to make this a blog about basic climate science. There are many excellent sources (some of which are listed below) if you are interested in learning more about the scientific background to global warming driven by human emissions. Also note that more than 97 % of climate scientists stand by this explanation for the ongoing climate change. However, at times I will comment on specific new results or observations, regarding climate or other sustainability issues. But I will try to keep the perspective on how this will affect us as global citizens and what the impact may be if we choose to act - or not.

That being said, I do want to emphasise a few recent findings that clearly points to both the urgency and severity of the climate change challenge.

Carbon dioxide levels in the atmosphere are continuing to increase at a very high rate.  About one year from now, front pages will carry a headline announcing that for the first time in human existence (or in nearly a million years, or maybe 3 or 15 million years), the global atmospheric concentration of carbon dioxide — the principal gas causing climate change — will have passed 400 parts per million (ppm).

Carbon dioxide in atmosphere the last 800,000 years 
as calculated from ice core data 

Since CO2 is the main driver of the greenhouse effect, this continued rapid increase will inevitably lead to a continued temperature decrease. Just published data shows that the temperature now has increased above what has been the norm on Earth during the last 10,000 years. And the temperature increase during the last 100 years is equal to changes that previously occurred throughout millennias.





















Temperature change over past 11,300 years (in blue, via Science, 2013) plus projected warming this century on humanity’s current emissions path (in red, via recent literature).


Essentially what this means is that we are entering completely unknown territory for mankind. Judging from geological data, the likely long term sea level rise will be tens of meters, if we do not rapidly change our course. It will be a very different Earth for our descendants to inherit. But there is still chance for a "soft landing" if we start doing things differently. More on that issue in a few days.

Very good links to climate science and news

Skeptical Science  is based on the notion that science by its very nature is skeptical. Genuine skepticism means you don't take someone's word for it but investigate for yourself. You look at all the facts before coming to a conclusion. In the case of climate science, our understanding of climate  comes from considering the full body of evidence.

Real Climate is a blog by climate scientists.

Climate Progress covers climate science, solutions and politics.

Climate Central is an independent organization of leading scientists and journalists researching and reporting the facts about our changing climate and its impact on the American public.

Guardian Environmental provides daily news about climate and environmental issues.