Sustainability Issue #2 April 2013

This is printed from sustainability.formas.se, last updated 3/30/2013 9:01:00 AM

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Photo: Norbert Wu / Scanpix

Four degrees Celsius warmer, changing precipitation patterns and an ice-free Arctic within 30 years. This is what the latest climate research is indicating. But in spite of improved research and models, there is still a great degree of uncertainty regarding a number of important issues. Read more »

Researchers can now show that black soot particles strongly contribute to global warming. However, there is reason for hope, since it should be possible for us to quickly decrease the soot content in the air and thereby achieve large positive effects on the climate. Read more »

Microorganisms in the ice form the basis for all life in the Arctic. The melting of the ice puts not only the polar bears at risk, but also a whole ecosystem. The changes in the Arctic might occur so fast that evolution cannot keep up. Read more »

The world’s oceans have absorbed vast amounts of carbon dioxide. This is beneficial to the climate, since it slows down the earth’s temperature increase. The downside is that the oceans are becoming ever more acidic, which is a direct threat to crustaceans and molluscs. It is unclear how the entire marine ecosystem is affected. An international team of researchers is attempting to find answers in the Gullmar Fjord. Read more »

Climate changes which suddenly become self-reinforcing and a temperature which takes off beyond control are horrific scenarios which we are often warned about. Researchers are currently not able to say for certain if and when our different major planetary systems might pass such boundaries where currently balanced states “tip over”. On the local and regional level, such thresholds have already been reached. Read more »

Along the Swedish coastline lies a large number of shipwrecks which could potentially cause damage to the environment. But removing the oil or other hazardous loads from them is both expensive and risky. Read more »

Their latest book is written with the hope that it might act as a bridge between science and society. But the authors also hope to rouse the will to incite changes in society. Sustainability has met two of Sweden’s most influential environmentalists in order to discuss effective communication and the road to a more sustainable society. Read more »

The annual Sea Report, "Havet 2012", presents what in part is still a dismal picture of the environmental status of the seas around Sweden. Read more »

The curve of global emissions continues to rise. According to experts, raising the price of emissions is the only way to turn the tide. A price of 25 SEK per litre of petrol might therefore be necessary. Read more »

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Sustainability April 2013

Editorial

About the health of a feverish planet The earth is running a fever. The troubling diagnosis is posted on a billboard in the subway.

Focus: Climate Research

Climate Researchers: It’s happening faster than expected Four degrees Celsius warmer, changing precipitation patterns and an ice-free Arctic within 30 years. This is what the latest climate research is indicating. But in s... Black soot particles offer a flicker of climate hope Researchers can now show that black soot particles strongly contribute to global warming. However, there is reason for hope, since it should be possible for us to qu... Melting ices threaten the Arctic ecosystem Microorganisms in the ice form the basis for all life in the Arctic. The melting of the ice puts not only the polar bears at risk, but also a whole ecosystem. The ch... Higher sea level as Antarctica and Greenland lose ice sheets A new study shows that Greenland and Antarctica are losing three times as much ice today as compared to 20 years ago. Changing clouds may have major effect on the climate Clouds are of great importance to the earth’s climate. For example, changing cloud formation in the Arctic might possibly slow down the melting of the ice sheets. Re... Carbon dioxide is making sea life sour The world’s oceans have absorbed vast amounts of carbon dioxide. This is beneficial to the climate, since it slows down the earth’s temperature increase. The downsid... Biological diversity is affected by the changing climate Researchers at Lund University have observed that birds are following the climate changes. As temperatures rise, many species of birds are moving further north. Critical thresholds may cause systems to collapse Climate changes which suddenly become self-reinforcing and a temperature which takes off beyond control are horrific scenarios which we are often warned about. Resea...

More articles

How high must the price of emissions be set? The curve of global emissions continues to rise. According to experts, raising the price of emissions is the only way to turn the tide. A price of 25 SEK per litre o... Environmentally dangerous shipwrecks identified using new method Along the Swedish coastline lies a large number of shipwrecks which could potentially cause damage to the environment. But removing the oil or other hazardous loads ... Swedish invention stops moisture Water damages are often expensive and may involve lengthy renovations. In Sweden, the cost of water damages amount to approximately 5 billion SEK annually. But a wat... Rockström and Klum want you to be affected Their latest book is written with the hope that it might act as a bridge between science and society. But the authors also hope to rouse the will to incite changes i...

In brief

Little encouragement in annual Sea Report The annual Sea Report, "Havet 2012", presents what in part is still a dismal picture of the environmental status of the seas around Sweden. New report about society’s inability to intervene in time Ignorance, passivity and economic interests have caused environmental damage, disease, injuries and fatalities in a number of familiar cases throughout history. The ... Ways in which agriculture can decrease its environmental impact Twenty-five priority measures for decreasing agriculture’s contribution to the eutrophication of the Baltic Sea are presented in a new report from the Swedish Instit... Ice core samples provide clues about the climate A new study of ice core samples from northern Greenland reveal that Greenland’s inland ice may be less sensitive to temperature than presumed. Investments in Sustainable Urban Development granted 105 million SEK This March, Formas is making funds available for targeted investment within the area of Sustainable Urban Development.
5
MOST READ
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1.The role of microbes in nature 2.Office environment affects health, wellbeing and work 3.Sweden values happy pigs 4.Food is of key importance in a sustainable society 5.Nanotech in our homes - great opportunities, unknown risks

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