Blog Archives

Environmental poverty already affects millions of people in the world

Environmental poverty already affects millions of people in the world

During COP26, it is sought that the leaders of each country make the necessary commitments to reduce emissions, mobilize funds and promote adaptation and resilience, especially to protect the environment and human populations. According to reports published by the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) , “an increase of 2 ° C would have a great impact on security, food and […] … learn more→

COP26: why education for girls is crucial in the fight against climate change

COP26: why education for girls is crucial in the fight against climate change

The Glasgow climate change conference is in its second week, with Tuesday November 9 dedicated to recognising gender equality, and the empowerment of women and girls in climate policy and action. Gender inequality means women and girls will experience climate change in unique and different ways. They are more likely to die in extreme weather events than men. And as […] … learn more→

The climate crisis gives science a new role. Here’s how research ethics must change too

The climate crisis gives science a new role. Here’s how research ethics must change too

Young people across the world have taken to the streets again, demanding decision-makers at COP26 listen to the science. But if science is to live up to these expectations, a fundamental rethinking of research ethics in light of the climate and ecological crises is needed. The ongoing planetary crises create new ethical dilemmas for researchers. […] … learn more→

Children deserve answers to their questions about climate change. Here’s how universities can help

Children deserve answers to their questions about climate change. Here’s how universities can help

Our children are growing up in a volatile climate. It’s already damaging their health, wealth and well-being. Universities can be leaders in helping young people gain the knowledge they need to navigate this uncertain future. Curious Climate Schools, a project that connects young people directly with experts who can answer their climate questions, is a model for just this kind […] … learn more→

Peatland folklore lent us will-o-the-wisps and jack-o-lanterns, and can inspire climate action today

Peatland folklore lent us will-o-the-wisps and jack-o-lanterns, and can inspire climate action today

In northern European cultural and literary traditions, peatlands — an umbrella term for various types of bogs, fens and moors — all have associations with fear, danger and uncertainty. Folklore associated with peatlands has also lent us some Halloween symbols, like the jack-o’-lantern. And yet, fears or dangers associated with Halloween don’t hold a candle to the clear and present planetary […] … learn more→

Our climate projections for 2500 show an Earth that is alien to humans

Our climate projections for 2500 show an Earth that is alien to humans

There are many reports based on scientific research that talk about the long-term impacts of climate change — such as rising levels of greenhouse gases, temperatures and sea levels — by the year 2100. The Paris Agreement, for example, requires us to limit warming to under 2.0 degrees Celsius above pre-industrial levels by the end of […] … learn more→

Why College students should learn about climate change as a condition for graduation

Why College students should learn about climate change as a condition for graduation

The climate change is, largely due to human activity. It is urgent to take responsibility for our actions and profoundly modify habits of life and consumption. This change can only be made, as the Law on Climate Change and Energy Transition warns , in a global, concerted manner and in a multilateral framework in which public administrations and civil society have to […] … learn more→

What will the Earth be like in 500 years?

What will the Earth be like in 500 years?

Scientists can make fairly accurate predictions about the future. But predicting what the Earth will be like in 500 years is a difficult task because there are so many factors at play. Imagine Christopher Columbus in 1492 trying to predict America today. We know that there are two main types of processes that change our planet: One […] … learn more→

Small climate changes can have devastating local consequences – it happened in the Little Ice Age

Small climate changes can have devastating local consequences – it happened in the Little Ice Age

In recent weeks, catastrophic floods overwhelmed towns in Germany, Belgium and the Netherlands, inundated subway tunnels in China, swept through northwestern Africa and triggered deadly landslides in India and Japan. Heat and drought fanned wildfires in the North American West and Siberia, contributed to water shortages in Iran, and worsened famines in Ethiopia, Somalia and Kenya. Extremes like these are increasingly caused or worsened by human activities heating […] … learn more→