Climate Change
Source: http://www.epa.gov/climate/climatechange/science/indicators/ghg/index.html
Source: http://www.epa.gov/climate/climatechange/science/indicators/ghg/index.html
Source: http://www.epa.gov/climate/climatechange/science/indicators/ghg/index.html
Source: http://www.epa.gov/climate/climatechange/science/indicators/ghg/index.html
Source: http://www.epa.gov/climate/climatechange/science/indicators/ghg/index.html
ACCORDING TO THE 1,325 SCIENTISTS ON
THE INTERGOVERNMENTAL PANEL ON
CLIMATE CHANGE,
“Warming of the climate
system is unequivocal.”
Source: 2007 IPCC Report
“Human influence on the climate system
is clear, and recent anthropogenic
emissions of greenhouse gases are the
highest in history. Recent climate
changes have had widespread impacts
on human and natural systems.”
The 10 Hottest Years on Record
1880-2013
Source: NASA/GISS/NOAA
More frequent
droughts…
More intense storms…
(Shelburne, 2011)
(Hingham, 2011)
More heavy
precipitation
events…
(Boston, 2010)
Increased flooding…
(Quincy, 2010)
How will climate change affect
Boston?
Source: http://www.neoscape.com/images/splash/11_BostonSkyline_Photo_WEB.jpg
Source: Union of Concerned Scientists: Confronting
Climate Change in the U.S. Northeast
Source: A Climate of Progress: City of Boston Climate Action Plan Update 2011
Tufts
Current 100 year flood zone
Projected 100 year flood zone (higher emissions scenario)
Source: Sparking Boston’s Climate Revolution
Who are the 6 Americas?
Source: Yale/George Mason University
Alarmed
Concerned
Cautious
Disengaged
Doubtful
Dismissive
2008
n=2,129
18%
33%
19%
12%
11%
7%
2010
n=1,001
10%
29%
27%
6%
13%
16%
May 2011
n=981
12%
27%
25%
10%
15%
10%
Sept. 2012
n=1,058
16%
29%
25%
9%
13%
8%
Nov. 2013
n=830
16%
27%
23%
5%
12%
15%
Highest Belief in Global Warming
Most Concerned
Most Motivated
Lowest Belief in Global Warming
Least Concerned
Least Motivated
Source: Yale/George Mason University