Glacials and Interglacials

Glacials and Interglacials

• Glacials and Interglacials have large temperature variations, with the Antarctic record showing variations of over 12°C over the last million years.
• The last interglacial maximum had no Arctic sea ice, high sea levels, and small ice caps.

CO2 Variations

• Atmospheric CO2 concentration has varied, with a 2019 average of 411.
• Human activities, such as fossil fuel use and cement production, have contributed to CO2 increase, but only 48% of emissions are due to these activities.

Evidence of Warming

• Decrease in 13C/12C ratios indicates carbon from fossil fuels, which has a 2% lower ratio than natural carbon.
• The greenhouse effect has been known since the 1850s, with contributions from Eunice Foote and John Tyndall.
• Radiative forcing affects Earth's radiative balance, leading to warming or cooling.
• IPCC Assessment Reports have consistently provided evidence of climate change and its impacts.

Climate Change Impacts

• Risks and impacts increase with global mean warming, affecting systems with restricted geographic ranges, biodiversity, and human populations.
• Examples of impacts include heat waves, drought, and coastal flooding.

Global Governance

• The UNFCCC and Paris Agreement have set goals for climate mitigation, with the IPCC providing scientific basis for these targets.
• Global governance is necessary to address climate change.

Reducing Carbon Footprint

• Individuals can reduce their carbon footprint by switching to renewable energy, insulating homes, and reducing energy use.
• Reducing meat consumption and food waste can also help, as food production accounts for 25% of global GHG emissions.
• Consider planet-friendly investments and support the transition to a climate-neutral economy.

Sea Level Rise

• Sea level rise is primarily driven by ocean warming and glacier melting.
• If the target is not reached, sea level rise could be 25 cm to 1 m, putting 800 million people at risk.

Climate Anxiety and Transition

• Climate anxiety is a real concern, with many young people feeling hopeless about the future.
• However, the transition to a climate-neutral economy has begun, with renewable energy prices decreasing rapidly.
• The era of fossil fuels is ending, and electrification is becoming a viable solution.