What does uncovering the mysteries surrounding sunken ships have in common with understanding our climate? Both involve looking at tree cores and studying the historical archives contained within their inner rings. Dendrochronology, literally the study of tree time, offers a view into the past that provides vital information about our present and future.
With the price of crude oil reaching its highest level in over a decade and the cost of natural gas skyrocketing, policymakers are faced with a choice: double down on fossil fuels or add urgency to the clean energy transition? Although most agree investing in renewables is the more logical solution, others are pushing for fossil fuel infrastructure, potentially locking the world into “irreversible warming” and creating a mass of stranded assets.
Scientists, experts, and policymakers: the eyes of the world are turning towards methane, a potent greenhouse gas the mitigation of which is one of the single most effective short-term actions for fighting climate change. What avenues are open for implementing effective strategies? Analysts and researchers weigh in on the international debate.
By Fabio Cian
Photography has the power to inform and provide a vision of reality that is coloured with emotions and beauty. It can also help raise awareness about the climate crisis, bringing people closer to one of the most important issues of our time through novel interpretations of the past, present and future.
The latest generation of climate models that predict future temperatures and their impacts present what some researchers have defined as the “hot model problem”. The solution may be to shift from model democracy to model meritocracy.
Record-breaking temperatures in Europe, heat advisory in the US, and peaks in electricity consumption in China. Media outlets and climate change communicators across the world are pointing to links between the ongoing heatwaves and climate change, just as researchers are working to make the science behind extreme weather attribution more robust.
A mix of high-resolution data, advanced research, participative interactions with local communities and supporting natural and spiritual heritage. This is the starting point to design resilience strategies and plan more sustainable solutions for mountain tourism, a sector that accounts for 15-20% of global tourism.
by Ella Healy and Ana Ross
Inequalities exacerbated by climate change cannot be communicated without involving the frontline communities experiencing its worst impacts. Effective communication strategies serve to eradicate – rather than perpetuate – these inequalities, and offer a more nuanced, empowered representation of those most vulnerable to climate change.
by Marco Garofalo
A camera can shine light on some of the main global problems and inequalities. Photo reporter Marco Garofalo, author of the project Energy Portraits, shares his story of documenting the importance of modern energy access for human development in Kenya, Tanzania, Ghana, Bolivia and India. Looking for “the best, most human, most comprehensible way” to tell the story of energy poverty.
Environmental, Social, and Governance, carbon markets and unfolding global crises were at the core of the agenda as leaders juggled priorities whilst looking at the role of science in future policy decisions. Foresight’s collection of key contributions, commentaries and media takeaways from Davos.
Flavours of wine will be different, chocolate prices will rise, nutritional quality and yields of several crops will decline. Food offers unlimited stories to bring the perception of climate change closer to people, from the challenges facing our favourite foods to a different narration that highlights solutions and the value of science. A climate change and food scientist, a freelance writer, and a once-upon-a-time professional chef have put in place an effective mix of multiple modes of communication that can motivate people to join forces for climate action along the food supply chain.
Oceans will play a key part in the ongoing transition: they are an invaluable resource for the climate-neutral world, providing renewable energy, food, and solutions. However, they also host fragile ecosystems that are suffering from climate inaction. Policymakers, scientists, financial actors, and civil society have their eyes fixed on the sea, because “there can be no Green Deal without a sustainable blue economy.”
