Key points on climate change

The climate is changing

  • temperatures have risen steadily since the late 1800s [1]
  • 2014 was the hottest year on record
  • storms, droughts and wildfires have become more frequent and more severe

This is due to release of CO2 and other greenhouse gases by human activity

  • atmospheric CO2 has increased by 40% since the late 1800s [2]
  • methane and other greenhouse gases are increasing
  • the increased CO2 and other greenhouse gases trap more of the sun's energy and raise tempertures [3]

The consequences will be very serious or catastrophic if we continue the same way

  • temperatures will potentially be 6 degrees higher by the end of the century
  • the next generation will have to cope with higher sea levels, loss of food production, floods, mass starvation and climate refugees

We already have the answers needed to tackle climate change

  • sustainable energy technology
  • increased energy efficiency
  • more local food production
  • better insulation e.g. Passiv Haus technology
  • lower carbon transport
  • ...all leading to low-carbon jobs

There are many other benefits of a low-carbon world apart from tackling climate change

  • healthier lifestyles
  • less reliance on fossil fuel imports
  • less economic turbulence from swings in fossil fuel prices
  • more secure jobs, not dependent on transitory fossil fuels

We need to act and we need to act now

  • it is a moral obligation ...
  • and a question of self-preservation ...
  • and/or caring for children and grandchildren
  • the great majority of the experts agree on the science [4]
  • all of the counter-arguments can be seen to be invalid when subjected to critical scrutiny [5]


The world is warming

Click to view larger


Droughts are worsening


Storms are becoming more frequent




Notes and references are on page 2



References


[1] Japanese Meteriological Office chart downloaded 18.1.2015 from http://ds.data.jma.go.jp/tcc/tcc/products/gwp/temp/ann_wld.html

[2] D McCoy & B Hoskins (2014) The science of anthropogenic climate change: what every doctor should know British Medical Journal BMJ 2014;349:g5178

[3] The Royal Society (2010) Climate change: a summary of the science
https://royalsociety.org/policy/publications/2010/climate-change-summary-science/

[4] IPCC (Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change) http://www.ipcc.ch/

[5] Global Warming & Climate Change Myths Skeptical Science website (viewed 12.3.2015) https://www.skepticalscience.com/argument.php




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