HM Governor's Office
in Anguilla
Science
The evidence for action: science and academia
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At the heart of the UNFCCC climate change negotiations is evidence: evidence that that man-made climate change is happening and evidence of current and predicted impacts. Evidence showing that an holistic, coordinated and international response is required, and required now.
The scientific and academic communities have shown that man-made climate change is happening. But they have also shown how we can tackle the problem. If matched with the political will to do so, a deal at Copenhagen, grounded in sound science, is entirely feasible.
The science of a deal
The Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPPC) recommends that to avoid catastrophic climate change, average global temperature increase must be limited to no more than 2 degrees. It may sound small, but science suggests that beyond that temperature the impacts of climate change become increasingly dangerous and some changes may be irreversible.
Government and science
To help increase the reach of the scientific debate in society, Government is supporting the scientific and academic communities ahead of Copenhagen.Scientific findings are fundamental to Government’s own ability to lead society in the move to the low-carbon future that science says is a necessity. For example, our efforts pioneering new low-carbon technological solutions, such as Carbon Capture and Storage, sustainable energy from renewables and geo-engineering in mitigation and adaptation, are only possible due to sound science.
Our knowledge and understanding of the Earth’s changing climate - and our ability to pre-empt, accommodate and adapt to new conditions brought about by climate change - will depend on continued study and development of understanding by the scientific community.
Recent events
- In May 2009, the Nobel Laureates' Symposium, hosted by the Cambridge Programme for Sustainability Leadership brought together 20 Laureates at St James Palace. Following a 3-day conference and an address from Professor Rajendra Pachauri, CE of the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPPC) the Laureates signed the St James's Palace Memorandum, calling for action on key policy areas of climate change ahead of Copenhagen
- Members of the Institute of Mechanical Engineers have carried out important work in the reduction of carbon emissions from our energy supply, including developing low-carbon, energy efficient and carbon Capture and Storage technologies.
Related information
Met office warming brochure (PDF 1.04MB)
Leading climate scientists highlight the need for urgent action
The overwhelming scientific consensus that human activity is the primary force driving climate change was the subject of a recent discussion filmed for Act on Copenhagen.
Catlin Arctic Survey suggests ice-free summers
The Arctic Ocean will be almost totally ice-free during the summer within a decade and an 'open sea' by 2020, according to an independent report published today(15 Oct) that offers fresh evidence on the impact of climate change.
International conference on 4 degrees
Leading UK climate scientists have presented new research findings at Oxford University, warning 'major climate changes within our own lifetimes'
World climate experts convene
In advance of the Geneva conference, David Clary, Chief Scientific Advisor to the UK Foreign and Commonwealth Office gave an exclusive interview exploring the costs of adapting to climate change.
Commentary on climate science
A view from the ground commentary from the World Climate Conference, Geneva August 2009, on the crucial role of climate science