Climate Science

If average global temperatures rise more than 2°C above the level recorded in pre-industrial times, we face a high risk of severe and irreversible changes in the planet’s natural systems. The consequences of changing weather patterns, rising sea levels, melting ice and food shortages will have serious impacts on people, animals and nature across the world.

To stay below the recommended 2°C greenhouse gas emissions must peak within the next 10 years and then fall by at least 80% by 2050. This can only be done by reducing the world’s reliance on fossil fuels and preventing further destruction of tropical rainforests. Even if global warming is successfully limited, some climate change is now inevitable. Strategies are therefore needed to help people and nature adapt where this is possible.

If you would like to understand more about climate change and carbon reduction here are some useful resources:

Web

• RealClimate- Climate science from climate scientists
• The Guardian - Environment
• The BBC - Climate Change
• The heat is online
• The Apollo-Gaia Project
• Carbon Equity – Ration the future
• Global CO2 Emissions

Books

• Earthscan- -a leading publisher on climate change, sustainable development and environmental technology
• Six Degrees: Our future on a hotter planet by Mark Lynas
• Heat: How to Stop the Planet Burning by George Monbiot
• The Rough Guide to Climate Change (Rough Guides Reference Titles) by Bob Henson
• Carbon Detox: Your step-by-step guide to getting real about climate change by George Marshall
• How We Can Save the Planet by Mayer Hillman and Tina Fawcett