Historical overview of climate change science ipcc. Pdf according to nasa and ipcc, global temperature has increased by 1. Abstract this article discusses the limits of the anthropogenic global warming theory advocated by the intergov. In reading this chapter, it needs to be borne in mind. The ongoing widespread melting of highelevation glaciers and ice caps, particularly in low to middle latitudes, provides some of the strongest evidence to date.
There is opportunity for an extension activity, evaluating the sources of evidence and considering views which do not support this view of climate change. Pdf evidence that climate change has caused emergence. As climate scientist stephen schneider 2006 noted, climate change research is a postnormal science c. A study released by brazils national institute for space research estimated that based on satellite imagery, deforestation in the amazon increased over 29% from 2015 to 2016. The audio, illustrations, photos, and videos are credited beneath the media asset, except for. Ravetz 1999, that is, the phenomena to be studied are complex, the stakes are high, and the available time for research is insufficient. Professor of atmospheric science, university of california, berkeley, berkeley, california, u. Observations across the united states and world provide multiple, independent lines of evidence that climate change is happening now. Scientists have known for some time, from multiple lines of evidence, that humans are changing earths climate, primarily through greenhouse gas emissions. Sea level rise is another clue that tells us earths climate is getting warmer. Scientists have observed that the sea level has risen 7 inches in the last. National climate assessment is designed to present scientifically defensible evidence of the causes and impacts of climate change to better inform public and private decision making.
Together, these indicators present credible and compelling. The national research council is pleased to present a video that explains how scientists have arrived at the current state of knowledge about recent climate change and its causes. For additional classroom context, video analysis, and reflection opportunities, read the picture of practice page for evidence of past climate change in the changing climate environmental literacy teacher guide, page 68. The scary, unimpeachable evidence that climate change is. Reducing the levels of greenhouse gases in the atmosphere would cause a decrease in surface temperatures. Includes natural changes cyclic variability, volcanic eruptions, solar output and humancaused changes due to ghg emissions and land use changes natures archives. Causes of climate change marian koshland science museum. The climate change agenda has risen substantially in global and national importance and the topic has thus been given a dedicated chapter in this 2. In the questions box, note any questions you have, or things you would like to know about the causes and effects of climate change. The clearest evidence comes from widespread thermometer records, which show that earths average surface air temperature has increased. The royal society and the us national academy of sciences, with their similar missions to promote the use of science to benefit society and to inform critical policy debates, offer this publication as a key reference document for decision makers, policy makers, educators, and other individuals seeking authoritative answers about the current state of climate change science.
Climate change 48% of americans believe in human causes. If you need to print pages from this book, we recommend downloading it as a pdf. Climate change could occur naturally as a result of a change in the suns energy or earths orbital cycle natural climate forcing, or it could occur as a result of persistent anthropogenic forcing, such as the addition of greenhouse gases, sulfate aerosols, or black carbon to. National academy of sciences and the royal society that describes what is wellestablished and where understanding is still developing in the area of climate change.
Carbon dioxide is produced when we burn fossil fuels, such as coal, oil or gas, to produce electricity, drive our cars or heat our homes. Six irrefutable pieces of evidence that prove climate change is real. Understanding the regional or global impacts of deforestation on climate, and ultimately on agriculture. Climate change and emergence of tickborne diseases 9 t h en a t u r eo ft h ei n t e r p o l a t e dc l i m a t es u r f a c e which, although presented at 0. This booklet is intended to help people understand what is known about climate change. The about climate change tab provides a one stop shop for information on how and why our climate is changing. The royal society and the us national academy of sciences, with their similar missions to promote the use of science to benefit society and to inform critical. Climate change impacts in the terrestrial realm contd evolutionary effects changes in species abundance, distribution, and phenology suggest changes in species fitness in response to climate change. Some indicators show trends that can be more directly linked to humaninduced climate change than others. We are headed for disaster slowly, yes, but surely. Evidence of human causes and arguments for emissions reduction article pdf available in science and engineering ethics 182. As the ocean gets warmer, the water actually expands. Effects of tropical deforestation on climate and agriculture. The evidence for climate change christian aid ireland.
Free print copies of the overview available here and highlights available here can be ordered from the u. A wide range of other observations such as reduced arctic sea ice extent and increased ocean heat content and indications from the natural world such as poleward shifts of temperaturesensitive species of. First, it lays out the evidence that human activities, especially the burning of fossil fuels. More glaciers are melting into the ocean, and the global sea level is rising. It confirms and strengthens the main findings of the fourth assessment report from 2007 with new evidence, drawing on more extensive observations, greater understanding of climate processes and feedbacks, improved climate models, and a wider. Climate change causes and effects graphic organizer under causes, write down what you think makes climate change occur. The working group i contribution to the ipcc fifth assessment report ar5 looks at the most recent physical science of climate change. The royal society and the us national academy of sciences, with their similar missions to promote the use of science to. Unfortunately, this book cant be printed from the openbook. Evidence and causes is a jointly produced publication of the us national academy of sciences and the royal society. Climate change and its causes a discussion about some key issues nicola scafetta 1. Natural causes of climate change orbital changes the milankovitch theory explains the 3 cyclical changes in earths orbit and tilt that cause the climate fluctuations that occur over tens of thousands of years to hundreds of thousands of years.
Learn vocabulary, terms, and more with flashcards, games, and other study tools. Under effects, write what you think happens because of climate change. Climate change indicators in the united states, 2016. Effects of tropical deforestation on climate and agriculture deborah lawrence and karen vandecar tower, groundbased and satellite observations indicate that tropical deforestation results in warmer, drier conditions at the local scale. It explains how scientists learn about the past and present climate and how scientists predict future climate change. An assessment of links between anthropogenic climate change and the impacts of recent regional climate trends on human and natural systems shows that. Climate change, agricultural production and civil conflict. In addition, they provide evidence for a link between rainfall and con ict using data from the densely populated region. Summary observations confirm that climate change is happening, and that extreme weather is becoming. Six irrefutable pieces of evidence that prove climate. Students research a number of different types of evidence, from tree rings to glacial retreat.
There is information to help understand the causes of climate change, climate change modelling, evidence of climate change today and how nsw is. Download a pdf of climate change by the national academy of sciences for free. Pdf global warming and climate change, causes, impacts and. Earths average surface air temperature has increased by about 0. The second section explains the visible effects of climate change and discusses climate change in the atmosphere, hydrosphere, and biosphere. Evidence of past climate change national geographic society.