Our Expanding Oceans, and Global Climate Change: A Primer

Our Expanding Oceans exhibit is based on a new book, “Global Climate Change: A Primer,” written by renowned climate scientist Orrin Pilkey and son Keith Pilkey. To visually emphasize the effects of climate change, the book is illustrated with Mary Edna Fraser’s striking batik paintings. The exhibit featuring over 50 batiks on silk, opened at the North Carolina Museum of Natural Sciences.
Average U.S. temperature increases by 0.5 degrees F

The climate of the 2000s is about 1.5 degree F warmer than the 1970s.
Islands Going Under, The Carteret Islands

The Carteret Islands off the coast of Papua New Guinea are drowning… What should have been an idyllic South Pacific paradise, is rapidly turning into a climate change disaster site.
Voices for Change, Sydney Australia

“Billions of people will be affected by impacts of climate change… One of them is you.”
The Speed of Change: Oceans in Distress, An International Report

Sponsored by the International Programme on the State of the Ocean (IPSO), the 27 participants from 18 organisations in 6 countries produced a grave assessment of current threats, and a stark conclusion about future risks to marine and human life if the current trajectory of damage continues: that the world’s ocean is at high risk of entering a phase of extinction of marine species unprecedented in human history.
Cuba: Sea levels to rise more than 30 in. by 2100

Cuban scientists warn that right now it is urgent to preserve mangroves, coral reefs, sea grass and sand beaches. Each of these ecosystems is a natural barrier to defend the coasts from the impact of climate change and sea level rise. Most of the 400 beaches of Cuba’s territory are affected by erosion with a receding coastline estimated at 1.2 meters per year.
2011 Ashden Awards international finalists, in pictures

Eight sustainable energy pioneers from Africa and Asia have been selected as international finalists for the prestigious Ashden Awards for sustainable energy 2011.
One million Bangladesh Homes on Solar Power

The number of households in electricity-starved Bangladesh using solar panels has crossed the one million mark, the fastest expansion of solar use in the world.
Human Activities Produce More Carbon Dioxide Emissions Than Do Volcanoes

On average, human activities put out in just three to five days, the equivalent amount of carbon dioxide that volcanoes produce globally each year.