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Climate Special Focus
The Earth has always had a dynamic climate, but it has never changed as fast as it is changing now. What forces are driving this massive flux? How can we reduce carbon emissions caused by human society, and mitigate the effects of climate change? How can we adapt to the new normal?
New Zealand Geographic has collaborated on a Special Focus Area with the government-funded Deep South National Science Challenge to bring you the most comprehensive information about climate change—stories, videos, profiles, audio...
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Carbon dioxide, the greenhouse gas that’s getting us into trouble, only amounts to about 385 parts per million of the gases in the atmosphere—not a large amount. But that’s a third more CO2 than 150 years ago, enough to have caused, and continue to cause, significant changes in local and global climate. Twelve of the 13 years from 1995 to 2007 have been the warmest since 1850, while 1998 and 2005 are the warmest years since records began. Over the last 100 years, New Zealand’s temperature has increased by 0.9ºC.
What will a warmer New Zealand be like?
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Living ice
When Trevor Chinn first visited the Franz Josef Glacier, it was to make ice cream. As a child he helped to load blocks of ice into a sack to take home to Tetaho, near Whataroa, and marvelled at a temporary lake formed at the foot of the glacier by a recent retreat. Bergs bobbed in the lake, and the contrast between the white ice and surrounding forest was dramatic. Read how Trevor Chinn pioneered the study of New Zealand’s 3162 glaciers.
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In pursuit of the perfect model
Climate modelling has expanded from the relatively simple constructions of last century into an increasingly complex set of models today. It reflects the complexity of natural systems, our growing appreciation of the interaction between many systems, and the popular and political desire to understand the forces acting on the planet and how we might respond to them.
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#SundayDoco
Two Australian polar explorers attempt the ultimate South Pole adventure—crossing the Antarctic Peninsula, a feat never before completed without sled dogs or mechanical assistance. Watch this week's Sundaydoco—Hell on Ice
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#NZGeoRadio
CLIMATE CHANGE ACADEMIC GIVES US 10 YEARS
University of Arizona emeritus professor Guy McPherson says we're heading for the planet's sixth mass extinction in just 10 years.
Listen to the 1-minute programme at nzgeo.com
EAST ANTARCTIC ICE SHELF MELTS MORE THAN EXPECTED
The East Antarctic ice shelf is more vulnerable than previously thought, with warmer water melting it, scientists say. Satellite data of the area’s largest glacier, the Totten Glacier, showed the ice sheet was melting, but scientists did not know why.
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