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 natural changes such as the amount of energy received from the sun, changes in the Earth’s orbit and changes in the way the ocean and atmosphere interact with each other and being compounded by anthropogenic changes in land use, a growing world population, deforestation and an increase in greenhouse emissions.

"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

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. In 2005, burning fossil fuels released approximately 27 billion tonnes of carbon dioxide into the Earth’s atmosphere. However, there are alternative explanations that show how longer term climatic changes, both natural and anthropogenic, can occur for a variety of reasons. It is this interaction between human activities and the natural responses to our changing climate that needs to be fully understood.

World economies demand we continue to burn fossil fuels, notably coal, to deliver power at the cheapest cost. Rising CO2, methane and water vapour levels are the reason for global warming, and their continued release is threatening to push the world's temperature to dangerous levels. The potential climate instability could result in worldwide economic and social destabilisation, and concern 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. However, we are not listening and the scientists are not finding ways to engage the public in their complex scientific discussions and debates. Through expeditions with artists, oceanographers, geologists, young people and teachers, the Cape Farewell team have developed an extensive series of work. By combining the arts, film, radio, journalism, scientific research and the adventure of the High Arctic expeditions, Cape Farewell are working with the international media to engage the wider audience in this thought-provoking debate.

Latest News

Related Links