Science Alive! Diary of a PhD: Copenhagen Climate Change Talks

So, what am I working on?...

I am investigating how wildlife responds to environmental pressures such as climate change and habitat loss.

Through the conversion of large areas of countryside into farmland and towns, many animals and plants have lost areas of their original habitat. This affects how many organisms survive, how they move and how they interact. When combined with a changing climate it is highly likely that a range of organisms are going to be effected, causing biodiversity loss and altering ecosystems.

Sunday, December 6, 2009

Copenhagen Climate Change Talks

This week marks the start of the United Nations climate change talks in Copenhagen. The UN officials are meeting to discuss the options for action on global warming in the coming decades. Following on from the original Rio and Kyoto summits it is hoped that this two week conference will pave the way for plans to be drawn on the most effective way for countries to come to an agreement on tacking rising carbon emissions.

Climate scientists warn that to avoid reaching the dangerous level of a two degree rise in temperature, global emissions of carbon must be cut 25-40% below 1990 levels. It is hotly debated who should make the biggest cuts. With the US, UK and Japan responsible for most of the emissions, should it be on them to make the biggest effort or should it be on those countries with the biggest carbon footprint per person i.e. Australia? Either way it is hoped that progress will be made in the areas of carbon trading, reductions in deforestation and novel sustainable technologies.

If you're interested in finding out more check out the official UN website: http://unfccc.int/2860.php or for an easier read the Guardians website: http://www.guardian.co.uk/environment/copenhagen.