Climate Change (01:45)

FREE PREVIEW

Since the Industrial Revolution, humans have burned over 1.4 trillion tons of carbon into the atmosphere. The melting of snow and ice in the Arctic Ocean has triggered climate disruption. Reversing climate change would be a great achievement.

Long-term Carbon Dioxide Record (02:36)

The atmosphere is well mixed at high elevations. The measurement of CO2 in the air has increased by over 80 parts per million since Jennifer Frances Morse began researching in 1968.

National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (03:54)

Researchers collect two samples every week from approximately 60 locations around the globe. The six gasses that affect the carbon cycle are CO2, methane, carbon monoxide, molecular hydrogen, nitrous oxide, and Sulfur hexafluoride. Pieter Tans runs the Global Greenhouse Gas Reference Network.

Impact of Climate Change (02:21)

Excess carbon creates climate disruption, altering life support systems necessary for survival. If the temperature raises 3.5 degrees from prehistoric times, the changes will be irreversible. If the ice sheets melt, there will be less food, less land, and more people.

INSTAAR Radio Isotope Lab (03:22)

The marine base of the ice sheet breaks off and begins to melt. The sea's temperature increases. On the south coast of Iceland, the effects of climate disruption are noticeable.

Arctic Circle (04:42)

What occurs in the Arctic dramatically alters the rest of the planet. Sea ice reduction can change the weather system. The Arctic Ocean becomes just water in the summer; the jet stream is weakening and extreme weather conditions are occurring.

Tubbs Fire (02:31)

A California wildfire destroys 3,000 homes because of high winds. Drought stresses brush and trees. Natural disasters are common right now.

Animal Extinctions (07:04)

There is a connection between spikes in carbon and the past four mass extinction events. Daniel Rothman describes the photosynthesis and respiration cycle. The planet sequesters carbon beneath the surface; animals are migrating to the poles, causing ecological disruptions.

Two Degrees Celsius Warming (04:16)

The Paris Climate Agreement is a major leap forward for mankind. In a little over eight years, the CO2 budget will be depleted.

Carbon Extraction (07:33)

Paul Hawken describes the need to increase photosynthesis. The Drawdown plan calls for refrigerant management, wind turbines, food waste reduction, a plant-rich diet, and educating girls. Usal Redwood Forest Company is dedicated to restoring forest habitat and sequestering carbon.

Growing Crops (04:16)

Organic farms obtain nutrients from carbon material. Ron Finley's urban farm in Los Angeles grows organic food. One urban farm can sequester carbon emissions from seven cars.

Fish Farms (04:30)

Bren Smith runs Thimble Island Ocean Farm. An ecosystem collapse can wipe out an economic system. Seaweed and shellfish can sequester five times the amount of carbon as ground crops and is completely sustainable.

Acidic Ocean (03:47)

Experts question whether science can speed up the process of making shells. Other experimental hypotheses include marine snow.

Renewable Energy Options (03:54)

Humans need a multitude of solutions to combat climate change. Onshore wind turbines provide alternative energy. To power the United States, 30,000 square miles allocated to solar panels is necessary.

Climate Denial (03:18)

Special interest groups attack science linking fossil fuels to climate change. Measuring C14 in the atmosphere can accurately show how much fossil fuel has been burned.

Methane Gas Increase (07:03)

Scientists from the University of Colorado study sources of pollution using a mobile laboratory. Flaring and yellow flame color demonstrates that fossil fuels are not completely converted. NASA, NOAA, and University of Michigan researchers find a hotspot in the four corners region.

Ancient Methane (04:17)

Experts debate the destructive mobilization of methane trapped in the arctic and the permafrost. While aggressive, it has a relative short life cycle. The Siberian Sea is a large area of concern.

Permafrost Carbon Feedback Cycle (05:09)

Experts believe the world will warm by five degrees or more. If the permafrost melts, there will be a large release of methane and carbon emissions. A flame test determines lake type.

Air Capture Technology (04:36)

Scientists should concentrate on finding working affordable methods. Climeworks filters the carbon from the atmosphere and delivers it to a large greenhouse. Hellisheidi Geothermal Power Station filters CO2 from the atmosphere underground and turns it into a rock.

Artificial and Leaf (03:14)

The building blocks of life are CO2, water, and sunlight. Daniel Nocera has developed a technology that improves photosynthesis. The bionic leaf can make drugs, fertilizer, and materials from CO2.

Green Economy (01:46)

Climate solutions are more profitable than the fossil fuel industry. Engineers and designers are working diligently to create sustainable options.

Oceanic Technologies (04:12)

Orbital Marine Power examines the use of tidal energy as an alternative resource. The European Marine Energy Center feeds electricity into the power grid.

Conclusion: Ice on Fire (02:53)

Experts discuss the urgency for a solution to climate disruption; multiple modalities are necessary. The ice is melting and decisive action needs to be taken.

Credits: Ice on Fire (04:02)

Credits: Ice on Fire