The Australian Academy of Science has released its latest update on the state of climate science, warning of the consequences for Australia if no action is taken to address human-induced climate change. The science of climate change: Questions and Answers aims to counter confusion and misinformation on this important scientific topic. It examines nine key questions, including what the science says about options to address climate change.

  1. What is climate change?
  2. How has climate changed?
  3. Are human activities causing climate change?
  4. How do we expect climate to evolve in the future?
  5. How are extreme events changing?
  6. How are sea levels changing?
  7. What are the impacts of climate change?
  8. What are the uncertainties and their implications?
  9. What does science say about options to address climate change?

Academy President, Professor Andrew Holmes, said “The evidence is clear: climate change, caused by human activities, is real. The vast majority of scientists and scientific organisations in this field are in agreement on this. And yet there continues to be a gap between public understanding and the science of climate change. This update, which has been written and rigorously reviewed by 17 of Australia’s leading experts in a range of climate-related sciences, provides a clear and balanced account of climate change and its impact on Australia.”

 

The Academy produced its first science of climate change booklet in 2010. The new fully revised and updated publication outlines the effects globally and in Australia of rising average temperatures and increased climate variability.  You can read the booklet online, or download it.

Story from Decision Bytes Email Newsletter 17.02.15

Banner Image: Pixabay.com. (2019). Free Image on Pixabay – Climate Change, Global Warming. [online] Available at: https://pixabay.com/illustrations/climate-change-global-warming-2063240/