Key points on climate change
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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]
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The world is warming
Click to view larger
Droughts are worsening
Storms are becoming more frequent
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Notes and references are on page 2
References
This fact sheet is published online as http://www.carbonindependent.org/ci1002.html This web page is designed to be printed as a fact sheet on two pages.
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