Triaging the Train Wreck of Climate Change

Biologist Brian Helmuth has observed firsthand the devastation wrought by climate change, but he's also seen how ecological forecasting can prepare us.

Like many scientists, I didn't start out studying climate change; it more or less became a fact of life when the organisms I was studying started to die...I have been fortunate to travel to many sites around the globe, ranging from the waters of the southern Pacific Ocean to the crashing surf along the Pacific coast of North America, and what I see matches the observations made by what now is an army of scientists: The Earth's flora and fauna are changing ... Full Story »

Posted by J Sinclaire
Tags Help
Subjects: World, Politics, Sci/Tech, Living
Topics: Food, Climate Change
Member Tags: climate-change, ecological-forecasting, environment, ecosystem
Editorial Help
Posted by: Posted by J Sinclaire - Sep 8, 2009 - 8:43 AM PDT
Content Type: Article
Edit Lock: This story can be edited
Edited by: Dwight Rousu - Sep 8, 2009 - 3:24 PM PDT
Dwight Rousu
4.1
by Dwight Rousu - Sep. 9, 2009

Although the anemic efforts to arrest climate change should be the primary focus for saving the ecosystem and humans, Helmuth provides some insight into what should be done in face of the damage already under way that cannot be avoided, and some motivation for reducing carbon emissions.

Change is much more drastic at some sites than others, and there remain places of refuge. But, the message is clear: Climate change is already altering the world’s ... More »

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J Sinclaire
4.7
by J Sinclaire - Sep. 9, 2009

This piece was written by a biologist, so there is a definite point of view. However, it's a view based on science and also his own observations. He discusses the changes he's seen throughout the world, and what we need to do to ease the impact of climate change on various organisms.

See Full Review » (6 answers)
Brian Bucknam
3.6
by Brian Bucknam - Sep. 9, 2009

As much as I agree with the author's opinion on these matters, his optimism about triaging problems seems somewhat unwarranted, and for those who do not "believe" in anthropomorphic climate change, this article does nothing to convince them.

See Full Review » (11 answers)

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