The vision stated by climate advocate and diplomat Christina Figueres in her 2020 book “The Future We Choose” holds that denying climate change is equivalent to denying gravity. This analogy emphasizes the undeniable scientific evidence supporting the reality of climate change caused by human activities.
Understanding the evidence behind climate change is crucial to fully grasp its impact. While some may rely on the statistic that 99.9 percent of scientists agree on climate change, delving deeper into how scientists have arrived at this consensus can be illuminating. Jesse Nichols, a video producer at Grist, believes that uncovering these scientific discoveries is akin to solving environmental detective stories. This led him to create the video series Proof of Concept, which showcases recent environmental research and discoveries.
One of Nichols’ videos features scientists studying coral reefs in the Gulf of Mexico, revealing the impact of oil drilling and climate change on these ecosystems. By analyzing coral samples, researchers uncovered historical events such as oil spills and increased carbon emissions, demonstrating the link between human activities and environmental changes.
In another video, parasitologist Chelsea Wood uncovers a hidden world of parasites by studying fish samples dating back to the 1800s. This research reveals how biodiversity loss and climate change have affected parasite populations over the past century.
The series also highlights the work of researcher Lisa Miller, who studied the effects of wildfire smoke on rhesus monkeys in a controlled environment. The findings underscore the long-term health impacts of air pollution on these primates, offering insights into potential effects on human health.
By showcasing these stories of scientific exploration and discovery, Proof of Concept aims to provide a clearer understanding of environmental changes and their implications for the planet. These narratives serve as a map for navigating the complexities of climate change and finding solutions to address its challenges.
For more videos in the Proof of Concept series, visit grist.org/video. Stay tuned for the latest installment to be released soon and continue to explore the fascinating world of environmental science.
(image credits: Grist, DALL-E mini)
