Global Climate Change Update (broadcast Friday, November 2nd, 2007)

In September 2007, the Northwest Passage was ice-free for the first time since satellite records began. NASA

Scientists say carbon dioxide levels in our atmosphere are shooting up faster than anyone predicted. What does that mean for climate change -- and for plans to limit carbon emissions? Several new papers take a new look at the issue -- with one arguing that it might be time to scrap the Kyoto Protocol and look for a new approach to curbing gas emissions. Another paper argues that even though there is still a large degree of uncertainty in climate change predictions, climate scientists may never be able to predict atmospheric conditions with a much higher degree of certainty -- and so governments should be moving to immediate action, not planning more research before taking action. In this segment, Ira talks with researchers about greenhouse gas emissions and climate change. Teachers, find more information about using Science Friday as a classroom resource in the Kids' Connection.