Friday, May 24, 2013

Climate Change

Climate change refers to the detrimental effects of human activity on the earth’s atmosphere that in turn initiates wide-reaching and potentially dangerous changes to the earth’s environment. The “greenhouse effect” pertains to a dramatic increase in the level of human generated greenhouse gases in the atmosphere. Among many others, these gases include carbon dioxide, nitrous oxide, and methane. Greenhouse gases are naturally occurring and essential in regulating the planet’s temperature and ability to sustain life. To a certain extent, these gases help retain a particular amount of energy from the sun, while allowing excess energy to radiate back into space. However, an excess of these gases in the atmosphere can cause a drastic increase in global temperatures. Due to an elevated emission of carbon dioxide and other gases by industrial plants and other forms of pollution, the greenhouse effect is taking place at an accelerated and unnatural pace. The effects of climate change include, but are not limited to an increase in glacial melting, heightened sea levels, and extreme weather.

Given the all-encompassing nature of the global climate crisis, the United Nations has emerged as a global leader in combating climate change. It has been able to coordinate efforts of different agencies within its own institution, global governments, businesses, and different civil society organizations. In 1988, the UN established the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC). The IPCC was one of the first leading scientific panels dedicated to studying the issue of climate change. More than two decades later, the IPCC serves as the leading scientific authority on the issue. Perhaps greater than any other environmental issue, global warming connects the dots to form a web that highlights the way in which different aspects of the global ecological system are affected by one another, thereby reinforcing the importance of environmental science coupled with political solutions. The need for a complex solution is critical, as environmental degradation at the hands of mankind yields unforeseen and far-reaching consequences.

Books About Climate Change
What We Know About Climate Change
Climate Change: Picturing the Science
Climate Change: The Science of Global Warming and Our Energy Future

Organizations Dedicated to Climate Change
IPCC- Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change
World Meteorological Organization
The Climate Group

For other books and organizations dedicated to Climate Change and other Environmental issues please visit our Resources page.