The most recent United Nations report on climate change highlights solutions to the crisis of the warming planet but says countries must act quickly. The report urges a fast shift to clean sources of energy and away from carbon-producing fossil fuels, and explains some of the tools available to accomplish that shift. Listen to hear a climate scientist respond to the report and explain why she believes it offers hope.
Story Length: 5:28
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December 1, 2021
3:52
The number 1.5 degrees Celsius is frequently mentioned by world leaders and activists talking about climate change. This number is important because nations have agreed to take action to limit global warming to 1.5 degrees Celsius by the end of the century. And science shows that if the world gets hotter than that, there could be catastrophic impacts on communities, some of which are already in effect. Listen to hear about the current and future impacts of the Earth warming 1.5 degrees Celsius.
Read MoreAugust 23, 2021
4:00
The U.N. released a comprehensive report on climate change that was an urgent call to action. It cited overwhelming scientific evidence that human activities are causing Earth to warm at an alarming rate, and said recent extreme weather events such as hurricanes and heat waves are directly linked to climate change. Some effects of climate change are no longer reversible, according to the report, but with quick action, the most destructive changes to the planet might still be avoided. Listen to hear more about the report’s dire findings and how cooperation between nations could help address the urgent problem of climate change.
Read MoreMay 17, 2021
5:36
In his early days in office, President Biden has made fighting climate change a top priority. He has pledged to invest heavily in green technologies and restore the U.S. to its role as a world leader in the fight against global warming. While many consider the issue to be a high priority, the president also faces resistance to his efforts. Listen to former Secretary of State John Kerry, appointed by Biden as a special climate envoy, discuss the president’s plan and why he considers climate change to be such an urgent issue.
Read MoreMarch 11, 2020
2:29
The earth is getting warmer. Records kept for the past century show a steady increase in temperature each decade, and 2019 was the second hottest year ever. As humans send carbon dioxide into the air from cars, factories, and other sources, the trapped heat warms the planet, causing glacial ice to melt, oceans to rise, and big weather events like floods and droughts to increase in intensity. Listen to learn more about changes to the earth caused by global warming and what to expect in the future.
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