Climate Basics and Models
What is happening with the climate?
Dr. John Abraham, Climate Researcher from the University of St Thomas
Dr. John Abraham presented an update to what is happening in the climate, how fast it is changing, and what can be done about it.
This presentation is an introduction to the basics of climate change, yet includes additional arguments that complement the short and long presentations created for the climate reality project.
Q&A starts at 27:20
About the Speaker: Dr. John Abraham is a climate researcher at the University of St. Thomas. Much of his research focuses on the world’s oceans. His research team has measured how fast the oceans are warming and what the consequences will be in the future. He also co-founded a company that uses sunlight to make drinking water in the developing world. In addition, he writes about climate change in the Guardian.
Click on the PowerPoint icon to download Dr. Abraham's powerpoint slides for the presentation.
The climate has always been changing - true, but the issue now is the rate at which the climate is changing. Variability has always been part of climate modeling of the past, but what we see now is an explosion in the rate of change of key climate metrics, such as ocean heat, reduced glacier mass and rising sea level. Explore the link below to examine the changes that threaten the future of our planet.
Scientist have been studying climate change for decades, and have been able to construct sophisticated computer models that can predict the outcome of certain climate solutions. By adjusting the resources dedicated to reducing fossil fuel use, increasing renewable energy generation or other factors, we can see the impact on future warming and make choices that are both productive and acceptable to the public.
Click the link below to explore the EN-ROADS climate simulator and see for yourself how reductions in greenhouse emissions can have a direct impact on total global warming.
What is a greenhouse gas, and why are they so important in studying climate change?
Click the link below for an introduction to greenhouse gases, and why reducing their concentration in our atmosphere is so important for attacking climate change.