Understanding global warming trends requires important scientific work:
Satellite Monitoring: Satellites help us gather a lot of information about the Earth's temperature, the temperature of ocean surfaces, and how much ice is around. For example, NASA's MODIS satellite collects data that shows the world's temperature has increased by about 1.2°C since the late 1800s.
Climate Models: Scientists use complex computer models to understand climate systems and predict what might happen in the future. These models suggest that global temperatures could rise between 1.5°C and 4°C by the year 2100, depending on how much pollution we produce.
Paleoclimate Data: Ice cores and layers of sediment tell us about past climate changes. For instance, the Vostok ice cores show that carbon dioxide (CO₂) levels have changed between 180 parts per million (ppm) and 300 ppm over the last 400,000 years. Today, those levels are over 400 ppm, which is unusual.
Oceanographic Research: Research shows that the oceans have taken in about 90% of the extra heat from global warming. Ocean temperatures have risen by around 0.6°C over the past century.
Greenhouse Gas Research: Ongoing studies reveal that CO₂ levels have increased from about 280 ppm before the industrial era to over 420 ppm today. This calls for more research on where this pollution comes from and its effects on our planet.
Understanding global warming trends requires important scientific work:
Satellite Monitoring: Satellites help us gather a lot of information about the Earth's temperature, the temperature of ocean surfaces, and how much ice is around. For example, NASA's MODIS satellite collects data that shows the world's temperature has increased by about 1.2°C since the late 1800s.
Climate Models: Scientists use complex computer models to understand climate systems and predict what might happen in the future. These models suggest that global temperatures could rise between 1.5°C and 4°C by the year 2100, depending on how much pollution we produce.
Paleoclimate Data: Ice cores and layers of sediment tell us about past climate changes. For instance, the Vostok ice cores show that carbon dioxide (CO₂) levels have changed between 180 parts per million (ppm) and 300 ppm over the last 400,000 years. Today, those levels are over 400 ppm, which is unusual.
Oceanographic Research: Research shows that the oceans have taken in about 90% of the extra heat from global warming. Ocean temperatures have risen by around 0.6°C over the past century.
Greenhouse Gas Research: Ongoing studies reveal that CO₂ levels have increased from about 280 ppm before the industrial era to over 420 ppm today. This calls for more research on where this pollution comes from and its effects on our planet.