Information Resources
The challenge we face -> Getting it back down
This graph illustrates the change in global surface temperature relative to 1951-1980 average temperatures. Sixteen of the 17 warmest years in the 136-year record all have occurred since 2001, with the exception of 1998. The year 2016 ranks as the warmest on record. (Source: NASA/GISS). This research is broadly consistent with similar constructions prepared by the Climatic Research Unit and the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. (As stated on (https://climate.nasa.gov/vital-signs/global-temperature/).)
Here you can find a whole lot more on the role of Carbon Dioxide and the earths climate.
History of atmospheric carbon dioxide from 800,000 years ago until January, 2016.
Watch this 4 minute animation to see how carbon dioxide levels increased over time. In particular since the industrial revolution.
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Hawai'i Specific Information on Climate Change, Adaptation and Clean Energy
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On November 19th 2019, Prof. Dr. Charles Fletcher of University of Manoa gave a very comprehensive presentation on climate change, to the County Committee on Agriculture, Water, Energy, and Environmental Management. Watch this presentation (as part of the public record) to learn about the causes and consequences of climate change for the world AND Hawai'i. Find the presentation here. (Jump to 13.05 minutes for the presentation).
Click the picture below to get to the Hawai'i Chapter of the 4th National Climate Assessment. Over 300 experts and 13 federal agencies have compiled the latest on climate change in the United States.
The Paris Agreement - our 21st century global contract
The Paris Agreement builds upon the Convention and – for the first time – brings (almost) all nations into a common cause to undertake ambitious efforts to combat climate change and adapt to its
effects, with enhanced support to assist developing countries to do so. As such, it charts a new course in the global climate effort.
The Paris Agreement’s central aim is to strengthen the global response to the threat of climate change by keeping a global temperature rise this century well below 2 degrees Celsius above
pre-industrial levels and to pursue efforts to limit the temperature increase even further to 1.5 degrees Celsius. Additionally, the agreement aims to strengthen the ability of countries to deal
with the impacts of climate change. To reach these ambitious goals, appropriate financial flows, a new technology framework and an enhanced capacity building framework will be put in place, thus
supporting action by developing countries and the most vulnerable countries, in line with their own national objectives. The Agreement also provides for enhanced transparency of action and
support through a more robust transparency framework. Further information on key aspects of the Agreement can be found here.
Further information from other sources
Inspiring documentaries and talks, informative documents and links to institutions
Racing Extinction
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New documentary from an award winning team around Oscar®-winner Louie Psihoyos (The Cove) displaying the Anthropocene's extinction crisis and some of its main causes. Visit www.racingextinction.com for more information.
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Check out this TEDtalk playlist on climate change and you will find many answers, interesting facts and astonishing stories. Public access. Always free.
Chasing Corals
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Watch the official trailer of a new documentary by Exposure Labs. Chasing corals documents recent coral bleaching events around the planet and explains its causes and effects are very powerful. Highly recommended! The full documentary can be watched on Netflix.
Ocean Plastics
Another pressing issue for our beloved oceans besides climate change is plastic pollution. Check out this comprehensive article from IDIVEBLUE about ocean plastics.
Chasing Ice
A powerful documentary showcasing the retreat of glaciers worldwide over time, captured by time-laps photography. Highly recommended.
Before the flood
A National Geographic production showing impacts and causes of climate change. Highly recommended.
Climate Interactive
A comprehensive list of educational videos explaining climate change can be found on the website of climate interactive. Under the Tools section of the website you can find a free simulation software that explains different level of emission reduction and allows you to try different scenarios.
New Climate Economy
A website from the global commission on the economy and climate on which comprehensive reports on the interaction of economy and climate can be found.
Here is a good video that explains why it matters that we reduce our emissions.
Information on Climate Change
- International Panel on Climate Change (IPCC). The leading international body for the assessment of climate change. You can find their report page here.
- The National Climate Assessment of the United States. This Comprehensive Report describes the impact of climate change in the USA. You can find the report and website here.
- Climate Action Tracker. This website displays the current outlook of policies and corresponding predicted warming. Find out more here.
- TED talk list regarding climate change. TED talks are short, powerful talks about different kinds of topis. Here is a set on climate change.
- Videos from the International Center of Climate Governance that explain the findings of the 5th assessment report of the IPCC (see above). The videos are a bit technical but provide a lot of information. The can be found here on Youtube.
If you have looked at the information provided and are wondering what you can actually do right now and down the road, follow the link below. We'll show you.
We will continuously update this page. Please check back again. Thank you.