Human activities have produced atmospheric gases that trap more of the sun's energy, contributing to climate change.
Measuring carbon dioxide absorption in the laboratory provides evidence of its warming effect.
The increasing fraction of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere suggests human influence.
Ocean acidification resulting from carbon dioxide uptake supports the link to human activities.
Isotopic analysis of carbon confirms that additional carbon dioxide comes from fossil fuels.
What evidence do we have that the climate is changing?
—Rising temperatures, rising sea levels, ocean acidification, declining ice covers, and more extreme weather events are all evidence of climate change.
How do we measure the amount of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere?
—Scientists can measure the amount of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere using various instruments, such as gas analyzers and remote sensing techniques.
Why is carbon dioxide good at trapping heat?
—Carbon dioxide is good at trapping heat because it absorbs and emits infrared radiation, which is responsible for the warming of the Earth's surface.
What is isotopic analysis of carbon?
—Isotopic analysis of carbon involves measuring the ratios of different isotopes of carbon to determine their origin and composition.
What is stratospheric cooling?
—Stratospheric cooling refers to the cooling effect of carbon dioxide in the stratosphere, which is a layer of the Earth's atmosphere. This effect is a result of the thin air shedding heat more efficiently.
00:00Introduction and the question of whether climate change is caused by humans.
00:23Exploration of key pieces of evidence, including carbon dioxide absorption, increasing atmospheric carbon dioxide levels, ocean acidification, isotopic analysis, and stratospheric cooling.
02:00Explanation of how carbon dioxide absorption and emission can be measured in the laboratory.
03:43Discussion of the measurement of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere and the evidence of its increasing fraction.
04:58Explanation of how ocean acidification supports the link between carbon dioxide and human activities.
06:27Overview of isotopic analysis of carbon and its confirmation of the origin of additional carbon dioxide from fossil fuels.
06:46Explanation of the cooling effect of carbon dioxide in the stratosphere.
06:55Conclusion and call to action.
