Climate change is reshaping the planet in a big way. Rising temperatures, melting ice, and surging seas are just a few of the obvious effects that we’re already observing. And, according to recent climate reports, these events could bring on a whole host of other consequences, including bigger storms, increases in infectious disease, shifts in plant and animal life, famines, droughts, and even increased poverty and civil unrest. In fact, climate change is threatening one of our planet’s most precious and necessary resources: our water. We don’t mean the oceans, although climate-caused water warming and ocean acidification are going to be big problems too. We’re talking about our freshwater resources — the water we depend on for drinking, bathing, and nourishing our crops, which can’t grow in salt water. Higher temperatures can increase the chance of drought, making water scarce. Hotter weather also means people, animals, and even plants need to take … [Read more...] about We are already seeing the first examples of how climate change will leave us all thirsty
Climate change
Australia tourism industry under climate change threat: study
[SYDNEY] Australia's multi-billion dollar tourism industry is under increasing threat from climate change with some of the nation's top natural wonders in the firing line as temperatures and sea levels rise, a study warned Thursday.The report by environmental advocacy group the Climate Council said the government needed to do more to reduce carbon emissions harming Australia's beaches, national parks and the Great Barrier Reef.Tourism is the nation's second-largest export industry, valued at A$40 billion (S$41.5 billion) and employing more than 580,000 people, it said.But popular visitor destinations were at risk, with major cities in coastal areas expected to face more frequent flooding in coming years, while Australia's "Red Centre" region could experience more than 100 days annually above 35 deg C by 2030, it found."Tourists travel across the globe to see Australia's remarkable natural wonders. But these icons are in the climate firing line as extreme weather events worsen and sea … [Read more...] about Australia tourism industry under climate change threat: study
The world’s top scientists: Take action now on climate change
Two of the world’s most prestigious science academies say there’s clear evidence that humans are causing the climate to change. The time for talk is over, says the US National Academy of Sciences and the Royal Society, the national science academy of the UK. The two released a paper, Climate Change: Evidence and Causes, written and reviewed by leading experts in both countries, lays out which aspects of climate change are well understood and where there is still uncertainty and a need for more research. Sir Paul Nurse, President of the Royal Society, said: “We have enough evidence to warrant action being taken on climate change; it is now time for the public debate to move forward to discuss what we can do to limit the impact on our lives and those of future generations.” NAS President Ralph J. Cicerone said: “As two of the world’s leading scientific bodies, we feel a responsibility to evaluate and explain what is known about climate change, at … [Read more...] about The world’s top scientists: Take action now on climate change
The White House is pulling the nomination of a top environmental adviser and climate-change skeptic who once called CO2 ‘the gas of life’
The White House is withdrawing the nomination of a controversial climate-change skeptic to a top environmental post.Kathleen Hartnett White has been heavily criticized for her statements in the past, defending the fossil fuel industry and praising carbon dioxide emissions. The White House is confirming plans to withdraw the nomination of a climate change skeptic to serve as President Donald Trump’s top environmental adviser. Kathleen Hartnett White was announced last October as Trump’s choice to chair the Council on Environmental Quality. But White’s nomination languished and was among a batch of nominations the Senate sent back to the White House when it adjourned at the end of 2017. Trump would have had to resubmit White’s nomination. White’s nomination drew intense backlash from the scientific community, as she is known for vehemently defending the fossil fuel industry and carbon dioxide emissions. “Our flesh, blood, and … [Read more...] about The White House is pulling the nomination of a top environmental adviser and climate-change skeptic who once called CO2 ‘the gas of life’
The White House is pulling the nomination of a top environmental adviser and climate-change skeptic who once called CO2 ‘the gas of life’
The White House is withdrawing the nomination of a controversial climate-change skeptic to a top environmental post.Kathleen Hartnett White has been heavily criticized for her statements in the past, defending the fossil fuel industry and praising carbon dioxide emissions. The White House is confirming plans to withdraw the nomination of a climate change skeptic to serve as President Donald Trump’s top environmental adviser. Kathleen Hartnett White was announced last October as Trump’s choice to chair the Council on Environmental Quality. But White’s nomination languished and was among a batch of nominations the Senate sent back to the White House when it adjourned at the end of 2017. Trump would have had to resubmit White’s nomination. White’s nomination drew intense backlash from the scientific community, as she is known for vehemently defending the fossil fuel industry and carbon dioxide emissions. “Our flesh, blood, and … [Read more...] about The White House is pulling the nomination of a top environmental adviser and climate-change skeptic who once called CO2 ‘the gas of life’