The most extreme effects of climate change people are seeing in the Arctic
World leaders and activists are gathering in Germany this week to decide how to implement the Paris Climate Accord.
The accord aims to stop average world temperatures from rising more than 1.5 degrees Celsius compared to pre-industrial levels. If that is not possible, it aims to keep it under 2 degrees Celsius.
An estimated 25,000 people will be at COP23, including leaders from 195 nations, and Canada’s climate change minister Catherine McKenna. Although President Donald Trump has said he will pull out of the accord, the Undersecretary of State for Political Affairs Thomas Shannon will represent the U.S. at the talks.
As politicians negotiate next steps, the planet is already experiencing some of its hottest years on record. Climate change is already causing flooding due to sea level rise along with extreme droughts and fires. Polar regions are warming faster than any other region on earth, according to the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA). And Canada’s Arctic is seeing some bizarre consequences.
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photo credit: publicdomainphotography