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Global Warming: The Decade We Lost Earth

Simon Clark・38 minutes read

Climate scientists warned about the impact of CO2 emissions on global warming as early as the 1970s, leading to international efforts like the Montreal Protocol to address environmental issues. However, efforts to combat climate change were hindered by misinformation spread by organizations like the George C Marshall Institute, influencing policymakers like White House Chief of Staff John Sununu and impeding global climate policy progress.

Insights

  • Scientists like Roger Revelle and Charles Keeling were early voices warning about a warming planet due to CO2 buildup in the 1970s, highlighting the importance of their research in laying the foundation for understanding human-induced climate change.
  • The George C Marshall Institute played a significant role in discrediting climate change science, promoting misinformation funded by industries like Exxon, and influencing key figures like White House Chief of Staff John Sununu, obstructing global climate policy progress and impacting climate change projections.

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Recent questions

  • What is the purpose of the Montreal Protocol?

    The Montreal Protocol, established in 1987, aimed to phase out the use of ozone-depleting chemicals, such as chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs), to protect the ozone layer from depletion. This international agreement showcased effective cooperation among nations to address environmental issues and prevent harmful effects of ultraviolet radiation on life.

  • Who warned about the warming planet due to CO2 buildup in the 1970s?

    Scientists like Roger Revelle and Charles Keeling were among the early voices in the 1970s warning about a warming planet due to the buildup of carbon dioxide (CO2) in the atmosphere. Their research laid the foundation for understanding the impact of human activities on Earth's climate.

  • What was the role of James Hansen in climate change awareness?

    James Edward Hansen, a key figure in climate science, built computer models in the 1970s showing that human-induced CO2 emissions were a major factor in Earth's warming. He presented his findings to world leaders, working to raise awareness about the urgent need to address carbon emissions and the implications of climate change.

  • How did the George C Marshall Institute impact climate change discussions?

    The George C Marshall Institute, founded in 1984, aimed to discredit climate change science and delay policy action by spreading misinformation funded by industries like Exxon. By misrepresenting scientific consensus on global warming, the institute hindered progress in addressing carbon emissions and promoting climate action.

  • What was the outcome of White House Chief of Staff John Sununu's stance on climate science?

    White House Chief of Staff John Sununu, influenced by Bill Nirenberg's briefing and the George C Marshall Institute report, became hostile towards climate scientists and obstructed global climate policy efforts. His anti-climate science stance led to the US opposing international agreements on emissions reductions, hindering progress in addressing human-caused climate change.

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Summary

00:00

Climate Change: Science, Politics, and Adaptation Debate

  • Climate change lacks a clear villain, with both the problem and our response deeply embedded in society.
  • Scientists like Roger Revelle and Charles Keeling warned of a warming planet due to CO2 buildup as early as the 1970s.
  • James Edward Hansen, a key figure, built computer models showing human-induced CO2 as a major factor in Earth's warming.
  • Hansen's science was presented to world leaders, but was later used against him and science itself.
  • In 1979, a meeting in Cape Cod predicted a 3-degree Celsius warming due to doubled CO2 concentrations by 2035.
  • A follow-up meeting in Florida discussed the need for international action to limit CO2 accumulation.
  • The Reagan Administration, uninterested in climate change, cut environmental research and regulation efforts.
  • James Hansen and Al Gore worked to raise awareness in Congress about the urgent need to address carbon emissions.
  • Bill Nirenberg led a comprehensive report in 1983, warning of significant climate impacts from CO2 doubling.
  • The report, influenced by economists, suggested adapting to climate change rather than addressing its root cause, sparking criticism and debate.

15:35

Ozone, CFCs, and Climate Change: A Summary

  • The Earth's atmosphere contains mostly oxygen molecules, which can be split into individual oxygen atoms by high-energy light from the sun.
  • These individual oxygen atoms often combine with nearby oxygen molecules to form ozone, a molecule made of three oxygen atoms.
  • The ozone layer, located approximately 15 to 35 kilometers above the Earth's surface, absorbs ultraviolet radiation from the sun, protecting life from harmful effects like cancer.
  • Chemicals called chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs) used in spray cans and refrigerators were found to be depleting the ozone layer, leading to the discovery of an ozone hole over Antarctica in 1985.
  • The Montreal Protocol, established in 1987, phased out the use of ozone-depleting chemicals, showcasing effective international cooperation to address environmental issues.
  • The campaign to protect the ozone layer inspired climate scientists to push for similar action on carbon emissions, leading to discussions on climate change in the late 1980s.
  • The George C Marshall Institute, founded in 1984, aimed to discredit climate change science and delay policy action by spreading misinformation funded by industries like Exxon.
  • Scientists like James Hansen testified before the U.S. Senate in 1988, highlighting the urgent need to address human-caused climate change and proposing emission reduction targets.
  • The momentum for climate action grew in the late 1980s, with bipartisan support for international agreements on emissions reductions and the establishment of the IPCC.
  • Despite these efforts, the George C Marshall Institute continued to sow doubt about climate change, promoting the idea that global warming was not caused by carbon dioxide emissions but by changes in the sun, contradicting scientific consensus.

31:26

Sununu's Influence Hinders Global Climate Action

  • The George C Marshall Institute paper misrepresented the science of global warming, claiming doubt among scientists.
  • White House Chief of Staff John Sununu, influenced by Bill Nirenberg's briefing, became hostile towards climate scientists.
  • Sununu's anti-climate science stance led to the US opposing global climate change action at the IPCC meetings.
  • NASA scientist Hansen faced White House censorship, leading to public outrage and accusations of science suppression.
  • Sununu's obstruction at the IPCC meetings in Nordwick prevented a binding international agreement on carbon emissions.
  • Sununu's influence, fueled by the George C Marshall Institute report, hindered global climate policy progress.
  • Bromley, under Sununu's direction, convinced key nations to reject the Toronto goal at the Nordwick conference, impacting global warming projections.
  • Sununu's role in obstructing climate policy during his tenure as Chief of Staff had lasting effects on global climate action.
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