The Science of Climate
Change
There appears to be enough evidence over the last century
to indicate that global warming is taking place, though even
this is still disputed by some. What is in greater dispute
are its causes. There is some evidence that people's economic
and other activities are causing the change because of various
forms of pollution and land use change. The increased amounts
of C02 in the atmosphere as a result of burning fossil fuels
is blamed by many as one of the main causes. There are, however
alternative explanations that show how longer term climatic
changes can occur for a variety of reasons.
World economies demand we continue to burn fossil fuels,
notably coal, to deliver power at the cheapest cost. Rising
CO2 and Methane levels are the reason for global warming,
and their use continues to push up the world's temperature
to dangerous levels, predicting worldwide economic and social
destabilisation, let alone any concerns for the welfare of
the planet. The time scale of these environmental threats
is in decades, a legacy for our children.
The scientific proof is there and we are not listening or
the scientists are not finding ways to engage the public.
Cape Farewell was conceived by the artist David Buckland and
during the past four years he and his team have developed
a program of arctic activity. Through expeditions with artists,
oceanographers and teachers into the High Arctic, the team
have already developed work that is being piloted within the
education syllabus at GCSE level. By combining the arts, film,
radio, journalism and the adventure of the high arctic expedition,
the Cape Farewell team are working with the international
media to engage the wider audience. |
