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Have you ever wondered how scientists came to the conclusion that our planet is warming, and more crucially, that this warming is a direct consequence of human activity? The quest to understand climate change is a journey through centuries of scientific discovery, and the evidence is as compelling as it is comprehensive. Let's delve into the story of climate science and explore the risks we face, the evidence behind them, and the paths we can take to secure a sustainable future.
Long before the American Civil War, scientists had deduced that our planet's warmth is maintained by trace gases comprising less than 1% of our atmosphere. These gases, known as greenhouse gases, prevent the sun's radiation from escaping into space, effectively keeping Earth warm. The insight that altering these gases could transform our climate was a profound prediction that now defines the field of climate science.
The Industrial Revolution marked the beginning of human-caused climate change. The burning of coal and oil released vast amounts of carbon dioxide (CO2) into the atmosphere. While scientists had predicted the potential temperature rise due to CO2, the evidence of this change spans over a century of meticulous observations and measurements.
The 19th century saw the advent of thermometers and the meticulous recording of temperatures across the globe. These records, both from land-based stations and ocean surfaces, were crucial in reconstructing Earth's average surface temperature. However, it wasn't enough to simply average these records; the distribution of temperature measurements and the influence of urbanization had to be carefully considered.
Remarkably, five major groups tracking global temperatures have arrived at strikingly similar records, confirming the rise and fall of temperatures over the years. Since the 1960s, satellite measurements of infrared radiation at Earth's surface have provided additional reassurance, closely aligning with the thermometer records.
But what about the connection between rising temperatures and CO2 levels? Direct measurements of CO2 in the atmosphere began in the 1950s, but to understand the historical context, scientists looked to ice cores from Greenland and Antarctica. These ancient records reveal that CO2 levels remained steady at around 280 parts per million for most of human history until the 19th century, when they began to rise sharply.
The convergence of temperature rise and CO2 increase is clear and undeniable. CO2 levels have escalated as we burn fossil fuels, and temperatures have risen in tandem. This is the smoking gun that climate scientists have predicted and observed.
Climate science is advancing at an unprecedented rate. MIT's Climate Science, Risk, & Solutions has been updated for 2024 with the latest data and scientific consensus. Through MIT Open Learning, this information is paired with engaging online learning tools, allowing you to explore the greenhouse effect, climate models, and potential solutions like renewable energy and carbon capture.
Are you curious about the science behind climate change? Do you want to understand the risks and the solutions? The journey starts at climateprimer.mit.edu. Let's uncover the answers together and pave the way for a sustainable future.
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