The Science of Climate Change

There appears to be enough evidence over the last century to indicate that global warming is taking place, though even this is still disputed by some. What is in greater dispute are its causes. There is some evidence that people's economic and other activities are causing the change because of various forms of pollution and land use change. The increased amounts of C0₂ in the atmosphere as a result of burning fossil fuels is blamed by many as one of the main causes. There are, however alternative explanations that show how longer term climatic changes can occur for a variety of reasons.

"I am speaking from an area of water that has never been water before. It has always been frozen solid. It is uncharted. There are no depth readings on the map because no ship has ever been able to measure them. No one has ever been anywhere near where we are now. We have sailed for the last 100 miles through open seas in an area that in the past would have only been accessible to the biggest ice-breakers. Now it is clear water"
Sir Peter Blake, Independent, 2001

World economies demand we continue to burn fossil fuels, notably coal, to deliver power at the cheapest cost. Rising CO₂ and Methane levels are the reason for global warming, and their use continues to push up the world's temperature to dangerous levels, predicting worldwide economic and social destabilisation, let alone any concerns for the welfare of the planet. The time scale of these environmental threats is in decades, a legacy for our children.

The scientific proof is there and we are not listening or the scientists are not finding ways to engage the public. Through expeditions with artists, oceanographers, young people and teachers into the High Arctic, the Cape Farewell team have developed an extensive series of work - by combining the arts, film, radio, journalism and the adventure of the High Arctic expedition, the Cape Farewell team are working with the international media to engage the wider audience.

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