What is climate change?
The topic of global climate change is very complex. Therefore, we do not claim at this point to give a comprehensive scientific explanation of man-made (= anthropogenic) climate change. In addition, there are already numerous reliable sources on this subject in book form or on the internet. At this point, therefore, references to selected scientifically sound sources for further reading on climate change should be given.
Unfortunately, it remains to be mentioned that although there is an overwhelming scientific consensus on anthropogenic climate change, doubts about climate change are repeatedly spread in the public debate. Information is still being disseminated that is out of date, incomplete, out of context, or simply wrong. People who usually have their own pursuit of a political agenda with these absurdities should not be offered an arena at this point. We would like to refer to the website of the Federal Environment Agency for detailed information on popular climate-skeptical arguments.
Our information recommendations on the global climate crisis
- The most pre-eminent and in-depth scientific resource on global man-made climate change is this Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC). The IPCC was founded in 1988 by United Nations Environment Program (UNEP) and the World Meteorological Organization (WMO) as an intergovernmental institution with the task of providing the scientific foundations about the effects of global climate change as well mitigation and adaptation strategies and to evaluate them from a scientific point of view. To this end, the IPCC appoints thousands of scientists from all over the world. These prepare the status reports of the IPCC. So far, the IPCC has published five progress reports and numerous special reports on climate change. You can find them here. In 2007, the IPCC was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize.
- We also recommend the publications of the Federal Environment Agency on human-made climate change on the Internet, which in detail addresses the following key questions:
- We do strongly recommend the publications by Prof. Dr. Stefan Rahmstorf, one of the leading German climate researchers from Potsdam Institute for Climate Impact Research (PIK), who also regularly contributes to the reports of the IPCC.
- His latest book publications on climate change are here to find.
- The personal website of Prof. Rahmstorf is here. This contains innumerable information and details on man-made climate change and its effects.
- It is also worthwhile Prof. Rahmstorf on Facebook to subscribe to stay up to date on the topic of climate change.
- Furthermore, at this point the bestseller "The uninhabitable earth: life after global warming" by journalist David Wallace-Wells shall be recommended. The author vividly describes the consequences of global warming that are already noticeable today and describes realistic future scenarios. What will life on earth be like in just 50 years? One thing is certain: our children will still experience how the conditions for humanity on earth worsen dramatically and how parts of it become uninhabitable. You can buy this book in the bookstore in your city or of course online.