FOUR EARLY CLIMATE CHANGE HEROES

by

Budd Titlow

http://www.buddtitlow.com

Gilbert Plass—Father of Modern Greenhouse Gas Theory

Several events significant to the history of Climate Change occurred in the 1950’s.  First in 1955, climate researcher Gilbert Plass performed detailed computer analyses showing that doubling CO₂ concentrations in the atmosphere would increase global temperatures by 3 to 4 degrees Celsius (5.4 to 7.2 degrees Fahrenheit). 

Hans Suess and Roger Revelle Support Plass

Next, a pair of scientists, chemist Hans Suess and oceanographer Roger Revelle, proved that seawater would not—as previously believed—absorb all the CO₂ that enters our atmosphere.  In fact—portending the peril we face today—Revelle wrote that, “Human beings are now carrying out a large scale geophysical experiment of a kind that could not have happened in the past nor be reproduced in the future.”

The Keeling Curves

Finally in 1958, Dr. Charles David Keeling began a project that continues to this day—The Keeling Curves.  Using systematic measurements taken at Mauna Loa in Hawaii and in Antarctica, Keeling provided the first unequivocal proof that CO₂ concentrations in our atmosphere are rising.  Keeling used the most modern technologies available to produce concentration curves for atmospheric CO₂. 

Text excerpted from book:      “PROTECTING THE PLANET: Environmental Champions from Conservation to Climate Change” written by Budd Titlow and Mariah Tinger and published by Prometheus Books. Photo credit: Copyright Shutterstock (3) 

Author’s bio:  For the past 50 years, professional ecologist and conservationist Budd Titlow has used his pen and camera to capture the awe and wonders of our natural world. His goal has always been to inspire others to both appreciate and enjoy what he sees. Now he has one main question: Can we save humankind’s place — within nature’s beauty — before it’s too late? Budd’s two latest books are dedicated to answering this perplexing dilemma. “PROTECTING THE PLANET: Environmental Champions from Conservation to Climate Change”, a non-fiction book, examines whether we still have the environmental heroes among us — harking back to such past heroes as Audubon, Hemenway, Muir, Douglas, Leopold, Brower, Carson, and Meadows — needed to accomplish this goal. Next, using fact-filled and entertaining story-telling, his latest book — “COMING FULL CIRCLE: A Sweeping Saga of Conservation Stewardship Across America” — provides the answers we all seek and need. Having published five books, more than 500 photo-essays, and 5,000 photographs, Budd Titlow lives with his music educator wife, Debby, in San Diego, California.