The monitoring of global temperatures, warming oceans, shrinking ice sheets, glacial retreat, decreased snow cover and sea level rise are all factors that support the climate crisis.

Global Temperatures
The rise of global temperatures is measured by scientists through the use of temperature probes. These probes are used to measure the temperature of the atmosphere, and through recent research, scientists have found that the temperature has risen dramatically. For example, in 1950 there was 310 ppm of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere, whereas today there is 390 ppm of carbon dioxide today.

Warming Oceans
The temperature of our oceans is measured through satellite microwave radiometers. These types of radiometers measure the temperature of the surface of the water to compare it over time. For example, in 1910 Australia’s average sea surface temperature was -0.4 degrees celsius, whereas today it is 0.6 degrees celsius.

Sea Level Rise 
The rising of sea level is measured through the use of tide stations and satellite laser altimeters. These altimeters float in water and measure the altitude at which they sit at. The difference in sea level is measured through comparing the different altitudes the altimeter has measured. For example,  the global sea level has risen 240mm since 1880.

How have scientists collected evidence to support how past climates are rapidly changing?

The current warming trend is of particular significance because most of it is extremely likely (greater than 95 per cent probability) to be the result of human activity since the mid-20th century and proceeding at a rate that is unprecedented over decades to millennia.

Earth-orbiting satellites and other technological advances have enabled scientists to see the big picture, collecting many different types of information about our planet and its climate on a global scale. This body of data, collected over many years, reveals the signals of a changing climate.

The heat-trapping nature of carbon dioxide and other gases was demonstrated in the mid-19th century. Their ability to affect the transfer of infrared energy through the atmosphere is the scientific basis of many instruments flown by NASA. There is no question that increased levels of greenhouse gases must cause the Earth to warm in response.

Ice cores drawn from Greenland, Antarctica, and tropical mountain glaciers show that the Earth’s climate responds to changes in greenhouse gas levels. Ancient evidence can also be found in tree rings, ocean sediments, coral reefs, and layers of sedimentary rocks. This ancient, or paleoclimate, evidence reveals that current warming is occurring roughly ten times faster than the average rate of ice-age-recovery warming.

Ninety-seven per cent of climate scientists agree that human activity is driving a climate crisis all across the Earth. The main cause of this crisis is carbon pollution from fossil fuels warming our planet and throwing natural systems out of balance. Hotter temperatures, stronger storms, rising seas, threatening the health of our families and the future we pass on to generations to come.

The climate crisis can be stopped if we shift from dirty fossil fuels to affordable clean energy sources like wind and solar power.

Fossil fuels are the world’s dominant energy source, making up 82% of the global energy supply. These energy sources have powered, and continue to power, the industrialization of nations. They have a variety of applications, from electricity production to transport fuel. Fossil fuels are necessary for the production of a variety of common products, such as paints, detergents, polymers, cosmetics and some medicines.

Some fossil fuels, such as coal, is an abundant and cheap form of energy. Others, like oil, have a variable cost depending on geographic location. For this reason, geopolitical issues arise due to the geographic allocation of these highly valuable resources.