Human Sciences and Climate Change: Quo Vadis?

Abstract

Christina Nunez and the National Geographic staff state that: as humans continue to pour greenhouse gases into the atmosphere, oceans have tempered the effect. The world's seas have absorbed more than 90 percent of the heat from these gases, but it's taking a toll on our oceans: 2021 set a new record for ocean heating [the absorption has reached its limits, referred to as a tipping point]. Rising seas is one of those climate change effects. Average sea levels have swelled over 8 inches (about 23 cm) since 1880, with about three of these inches gained in the last 25 years. Every year, the sea rises another .13 inches (3.2. mm). New research published on February 15, 2022 shows that sea level rise is accelerating and projected to rise by a foot by 2050 … [it is supposed] that the projected rise will occur regardless, even if carbon emissions are drastically cut … [on the basis of recent analysis of NASA and European data] scientists also point out that the extent to which countries work together to limit release of more greenhouse gases may have a significant impact on how quickly seas rise, and how much (Nunez 2022).