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What do climate scholars think about climate science and its role in society?

Hans von Storch and Silvio Gualdi Being trained as natural scientists, some climate scientists began in the 1990s their excursions into social sciences when it

Not Just a Science Experiment

Promoting ocean science policy and management for sustainable development is the core focus of the Ocean Decade. In the next few years, ocean stakeholders worldwide will gather behind a common framework that will ensure ocean science can fully support countries in creating improved conditions for the sustainable development of the ocean.

The Effects of Wildfires on a Zero Carbon Future

With July reported to have been the hottest month on record it came with no shortage of natural disasters. Arctic wildfires ravaging the northern hemisphere’s woodlands grabbed media attention. Understanding their impacts can help dictate policy decisions for greenhouse gas emission reduction schemes so as to remain well below the 2ºC mark.

The outdoor industry’s troubled relationship with nature

The outdoor industry is a booming business as more and more people take to the outdoors for recreational activities. However, enjoying being in nature doesn’t always translate into environmental awareness and the outdoor industry itself is contributing little towards maintaining the natural environments that its customers rely on. With a growing consumer base and increased economic clout this sector has the potential to help educate people on the current climate crisis.

Nuclear Power Feeling the Heat

For the second time in less than one month Europe has been hit by an extreme heatwave. This time high temperatures have caused French nuclear power stations to decrease energy outputs due to unsafe levels of heat.

Renewable Energy: Powering Jobs and Growth

A record breaking 11 million jobs in 2018: as renewables continue to generate employment, policy makers and businesses are beginning to see beyond the purely environmental benefits and recognise the broad socio-economic opportunities and benefits that renewables can bring

Reaching a Scientific Consensus on Food

Agriculture, fisheries and livestock production produce around one fifth of the world’s greenhouse gas emissions, whilst unhealthy food kills more people than alcohol, drug and tobacco use combined. The paradox is that, whilst 2.1 billion people are overweight, 821 million go to bed hungry every night. Science based research on sustainable diets, such as the EAT-Lancet report, can help reach a scientific consensus on what defines a healthy and sustainable diet, and hence help food production and consumption become a powerful tool in both climate change mitigation and increasing human welfare.

Climate Science is Not Negotiable

As a record-breaking heatwave hit Europe, UN climate talks were underway in Bonn, Germany. However, things were not running smoothly: in a highly contentious move, a group of oil-producing countries led by Saudi Arabia refused to “welcome” the IPCC Special Report on 1.5C, citing “scientific gaps” in the report and therefore challenging the scientific basis of future decarbonisation plans. In response, the Alliance of Small Island States has voiced their support of the report and denounced the move as a negation of climate science.

The Relationship Between Extreme Weather and Climate Change

Extreme weather is becoming increasingly common. Most recently, a record breaking heatwave in Greenland has gone viral thanks to the image of sled dogs wading through water where there should be ice. However, relating single weather events to climate change is problematic and, although these instances can act as indicators of a trend and eye-openers for public opinion, it is important to distinguish between single weather events and climate change.

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