Part 2: The Gathering Storm: The 1980s and the Mounting Evidence

The 1980s witnessed a significant escalation in scientific research and public awareness surrounding climate change. While the initial warnings of the 1970s had been met with some skepticism, the mounting evidence in the 1980s left little room for doubt.

A Landmark Report: The Charney Report

In 1979, the National Academy of Sciences convened a panel of experts, chaired by Jule Charney, to assess the state of climate research. The resulting report, known as the Charney Report, provided a comprehensive overview of the scientific understanding of climate change at the time. It confirmed the link between rising greenhouse gas concentrations and global warming, and highlighted the potential for significant impacts on the Earth’s climate system.

The Charney Report played a crucial role in raising awareness about the issue among policymakers and the public. It helped to shift the scientific consensus on climate change from a state of uncertainty to one of growing concern.

The Keeling Curve and the Greenhouse Effect

In the 1950s, Charles David Keeling began measuring the concentration of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere at Mauna Loa Observatory in Hawaii. His meticulous measurements revealed a steady increase in CO2 levels, a trend that has since become known as the “Keeling Curve.”

The Keeling Curve provided compelling evidence of the human impact on the global carbon cycle. The rise in CO2 concentrations coincided with the increased burning of fossil fuels, particularly coal and oil, for energy production and transportation. This evidence further strengthened the link between human activities and global warming.

The Role of the Media

The media played a vital role in disseminating information about climate change to the public during the 1980s. While coverage was often sporadic and sensationalized, it helped to bring the issue to the attention of a wider audience.

Several landmark events contributed to increased public awareness. In 1988, NASA scientist James Hansen testified before Congress, stating that he was “99 percent sure” that the warming trend observed in recent decades was due to human activities. This testimony sparked a national debate about climate change and the need for action.

The media also began to report on the potential impacts of climate change, such as rising sea levels, more frequent and intense heatwaves, and changes in precipitation patterns. These reports helped to illustrate the real-world consequences of global warming and the urgency of addressing the issue.

Looking Ahead: The Need for International Cooperation

The scientific evidence in the 1980s was clear: climate change was a real and present danger. The world community needed to take action to mitigate the impacts of this global threat.

In 1988, the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) was established by the World Meteorological Organization and the United Nations Environment Programme. The IPCC is the leading international body for assessing the science related to climate change. Its reports provide comprehensive and authoritative assessments of the state of knowledge on climate change, its impacts, and potential adaptation and mitigation options.

The establishment of the IPCC marked a turning point in the international response to climate change. It provided a platform for scientists and policymakers to collaborate and work towards a common goal. In the coming decades, the IPCC would play a crucial role in shaping the global discourse on climate change and informing international climate policy.

In Conclusion

The 1980s witnessed a significant advancement in our understanding of climate change. The scientific evidence became increasingly compelling, and public awareness of the issue grew. The establishment of the IPCC provided a framework for international cooperation and action. While the challenge of addressing climate change remained daunting, the groundwork had been laid for the global effort that would unfold in the decades to come.

The next part of this series will explore the pivotal role of the 1990s in the emergence of international climate action. We will examine the landmark agreements reached at the Earth Summit in Rio de Janeiro and the subsequent negotiations leading to the Kyoto Protocol.

Stay tuned!