Vital Climate Graphics - Update

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VITAL CLIMATE CHANGE GRAPHICS

Main climate characteristics

What does the hole in the ozone layer have to do with it? Many people relate the hole in the ozone layer to cli- mate change when they are two different problems, although they both occur as a result of human activi- ties. The main concern with ozone depletion is that it leads to increased exposure to harmful, ultraviolet so- lar radiation at the Earth’s surface. Decreasing ozone in the atmosphere does have an effect on the climate, but is not as influential as other factors (like increasing CO 2 concentrations).

water temperature

Changes in precipitation

salinity

Ocean circulation upheaval

Clouds

Where can I find information on climate change? Like arguments about cloning or genetical- ly modified organisms, the climate change debate is complex and people wanting to participate in it need to dedicate time and effort. Sifting through the mountain of sci- entific information available and becoming familiar with all the disciplines involved is almost impossible for individuals. The In- tergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) compiles and compares information from a multitude of sources, with the aim of producing a balanced and comprehensive account.

Average temperature rise

Gulf Stream modification

Abrupt climate Change

Europe cooling

Sea level rise

Cyclones

Floods

Heat waves

Loss of traditionnal lifestyles

Information about climate change is ac- cessible on the following websites:

Droughts

Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change www.ipcc.ch United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change: www.unfccc.int

Diseases spread

Disasters

Biodiversity losses

United Nations Environment Programme: www.unep.org

Casualties

Economic losses

UNEP/GRID-Arendal: www.grida.no/climate

Famines

Climatewire (a climate news portal): www.climatewire.org

Major threats