Boing Boing » global warming

Narrative long reads that make climate change make sense

Maggie Koerth-Baker — Wed, 30 Jan 2013 21:20:37 +0000

Anecdotes aren't data, but they do make data memorable. Alice Bell has a list of books that use storytelling and narrative to explain the often complicated science of climate change. One of the books on the list — Spencer Weart's The Discovery of Global Warming — is an oft-recommended favorite of mine. If for no other reason than the fact that I like to see how people react when I explain that we have known about the science behind climate change since the 19th century. And if it didn't work the way we think it does, then Earth would be a cold wasteland, like Mars. (Bonus, Weart and the Institute of Physics have a fantastic website that delves deeper into Weart's sources and can help you do your own research and answer follow-up questions.)

Why do some people say the Earth isn't getting hotter?

Maggie Koerth-Baker — Wed, 17 Oct 2012 13:24:32 +0000

If you haven't seen the Skeptical Science website yet, you're missing out.

Via Tom Standage

Outstanding accounts

Maggie Koerth-Baker — Thu, 20 Sep 2012 21:29:57 +0000

Phil Plait — who writes the Bad Astronomy blog — still has not been paid for his contributions to the Great Global Warming Conspiracy. For such an organized cabal, you think they would have a better accounting department.

Epic American drought gets worse in key farm states, after hottest month on record

Xeni Jardin — Thu, 09 Aug 2012 17:25:00 +0000

This does not bode well for food prices: the Plains states where corn and soybeans are produced in greatest quantities are receiving the worst of excessive drought conditions, in the wake of the hottest month ever recorded in the US. Welcome to the new Dust Bowl?

TOM THE DANCING BUG: What Will Be the Biggest Political Story of 2032?

Ruben Bolling — Wed, 25 Jul 2012 16:10:22 +0000

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Words matter

Maggie Koerth-Baker — Fri, 18 Nov 2011 18:50:11 +0000

In an answer to a reader question, NPR explains why it uses both "climate change" and "global warming" to refer to the concept of rising anthropogenic greenhouse gasses forcing a corresponding rise in global average temperature. Personally, I try to use "climate change" in all cases, for the same reason NPR likes that name—it doesn't confuse people who might otherwise not realize that a rising global average temperature can cause diverse local effects that aren't limited to higher temperatures.

TOM THE DANCING BUG: "Governor Rick, Science Hick," starring Rick Perry!!!

Ruben Bolling — Wed, 05 Oct 2011 16:00:11 +0000