New Scientist - A rapid rise in global sea temperatures is causing havoc across the world. It is a compelling reminder that the impacts of climate change will arrive in sudden, catastrophic bursts. Ocean temperatures have been rising steadily for decades, with our seas having absorbed much of the excess atmospheric heat generated by our relentless burning of fossil fuels. But in March 2023, almost overnight, they suddenly skyrocketed. Temperatures have since remained well above normal, reaching “hot tub” levels in some places, with disturbing consequences that suggest we have pushed ocean ecosystems to breaking point.
As we report on “How climate change has pushed our oceans to the brink of catastrophe”, the rapid rate of these changes and the severity of the havoc they are causing have taken scientists by surprise. But it should also serve as a stark reminder that the impacts of climate change won’t necessarily be slow, predictable declines but sudden cascades with grave consequences, many of which we don’t fully understand.
Axios - The University of Chicago is the latest top-tier institution to unveil new degree programs to attract students who want to study climate change....Tackling climate and energy challenges requires specialized skills and knowledge, and employers have reported gaps in worker qualifications amid an abundance of jobs. The University of Chicago announced yesterday the Institute for Climate and Sustainable Growth, which will offer undergraduate and graduate degrees.
- The institute plans to hire 20 new faculty members during the next five years, with searches taking place in areas from law to materials engineering and AI.
- As part of the new effort, the university is rolling out a new core curriculum on sustainable development and growth.
- Michael Greenstone, an economics professor, will serve as the institution's founding faculty director. He told Axios that what sets the new program apart from others around the country is its grounding in sustainable growth.
"The animating principle is how societies around the world can find a balance between the needs for addressing climate and the needs for growth," Greenstone said.
The new institute stands out from others in the U.S. in that it has a specific focus on "climate systems engineering," which includes researching geoengineering....
The
University of Chicago is only the latest to roll out specialized
offerings on climate change, in response to professional and student
demands. In 2020, Columbia University created
the Columbia Climate School, which houses its master's program in
Climate and Society. Now the school, which contains a mix of preexisting
and new faculty and focus areas, is launching a two-year Master of
Science in Climate. More
No comments:
Post a Comment