The Heat: Human impact in the world

The Heat

The numbers are alarming. In mid-May, thermometers hit 29 degrees Celsius in northwestern Russia, near the Arctic Ocean, where the average high temperature that time of year is only 12 degrees Celsius.

Around the same time, scientists measured the concentration of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere at 415 parts per million – the highest level recorded in human history – and a rise of nearly 50 percent just since the Industrial Revolution.

A report released by the United Nations warns that unless humans make transformative changes in behavior, a million species could face extinction, as CGTN’s Jim Spellman explains.
Follow Jim Spellman on Twitter @jimspellmanTV

To discuss:

  • Kate Brauman is the lead scientist for the Global Water Initiative and Coordinating Lead author of the UN report.
  • Jonathan Bamber is a professor of glaciology at the University of Bristol.
  • Arunabha Ghosh is the CEO of the Council on Energy, Environment and Water.
  • Dave Gardner is the executive director of the World Population Balance.

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