Your questions answered: The speed of global warming; space junk; advice for kids
Jan 27, 2025
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Justin Rowlatt, BBC climate editor, explores rapid climate change phenomena. Akshat Rathi, Bloomberg News senior climate reporter, discusses climate trends and the implications of space junk on the environment. Caroline Steel, presenter of BBC CrowdScience, shares insights on kids' questions about climate issues and survival skills. They dive into why the climate has shifted dramatically in the last 50 years, and a delightful young listener even shares a climate-themed song, adding a whimsical touch to the serious topic of our planet's future.
Global temperatures are rising more rapidly than before, with a significant increase from 0.18 to 0.3 degrees Celsius per decade in recent years.
Children should cultivate critical thinking and resilience skills to navigate the challenges posed by climate change and to seize emerging opportunities.
Deep dives
The Acceleration of Climate Change
Climate change has shown a significant acceleration in recent years, with global temperatures rising at a faster rate than before. Data indicates that average temperature increases have shifted from approximately 0.18 degrees Celsius per decade to around 0.3 degrees in the last 15 years. This trend suggests that we are approaching the upper limits predicted by climate models, raising concerns among scientists. The increase in greenhouse gas emissions and natural phenomena, such as the El Niño effect, are contributing factors believed to drive this rapid warming.
Understanding Space Junk's Impact
Space junk refers to non-functional satellites and debris orbiting the Earth, which currently poses a minor threat to the climate but is increasing in quantity. Although space debris is primarily made of metal and reflects sunlight, its overall effect on global warming is negligible due to its high altitude in the atmosphere. The real concern lies in the risk of collisions with active satellites, which are essential for climate monitoring and communication. Additionally, some studies suggest that the presence of space junk could indirectly contribute to warming through the emissions created when rockets are launched to retrieve this debris.
Skills for Adaptation to Climate Change
Children today should develop skills that prepare them for a rapidly changing world affected by climate change. Critical thinking is essential for discerning accurate information in a noisy landscape, while strong social skills and community ties can help individuals cope with environmental stresses. Additionally, fostering resilience through adaptable thinking is significant, as change can lead to positive opportunities, particularly in emerging green industries. Incorporating traditional knowledge alongside formal science education also empowers new generations to seek innovative solutions to environmental challenges.
Climate Question listeners take over the programme again, putting their queries to Graihagh Jackson and her panel: BBC climate editor Justin Rowlatt, Bloomberg News senior climate reporter Akshat Rathi and the presenter of BBC CrowdScience Caroline Steel.
One listener asks why the climate appears to have changed so dramatically and fast in the last 50 years. Another wonders whether "space junk" plays a role in global warming. Plus, a question from a five-year old and - in a first for the programme - a listener's climate song!
If you have a question, email us at theclimatequestion@bbc.com or leave a WhatsApp message at + 44 8000 321 721
Producer: Michaela Graichen
Production Coordinator: Brenda Brown
Sound mix: James Beard and Tom Brignell
Editor: Simon Watts
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