The History of Climate Change: Key Events and Figures

The Early Recognition of Human Impact on Climate

The observation that human activities could alter climate began to emerge as early as the ancient Greeks. They theorized that deforestation and agriculture might influence weather, but it wasn't until the 19th century that scientific inquiry started framing these ideas more rigorously.

In the 1820s, French scientist Joseph Fourier introduced concepts of energy balance in Earth's atmosphere, suggesting that gases trap heat like a greenhouse. His ideas laid foundational principles for understanding the climate system and spurred further research into the atmospheric effects of human activities.

Eunice Newton Foote's experiments in the 1850s demonstrated that carbon dioxide increased the heating effect of sunlight. Her groundbreaking work, though ignored at the time, provided key insights into how greenhouse gases could contribute to warmer climates.

By the early 20th century, as the Industrial Revolution progressed, more scientists began considering the warming effects of increased carbon emissions. British engineer Guy Stewart Callendar was one of the first to argue that human activity was warming the Earth, raising alarms as early as the 1930s.

Key Scientific Discoveries and Their Implications

Throughout the ages, humanity has always sought to understand its environment. Early scientists like Galileo and Newton laid the groundwork by exploring the principles of motion and gravity. Their findings sparked curiosity about natural phenomena, setting the stage for the future of scientific inquiry.

In the 18th century, the Age of Enlightenment emerged, fostering an environment of critical thinking and empirical research. Pioneers such as Benjamin Franklin experimented with electricity, leading to groundbreaking discoveries that changed our understanding of energy and nature’s forces.

The 19th century marked significant advancements in science, particularly with the birth of modern chemistry. Figures like Dmitri Mendeleev developed the periodic table, categorizing elements based on their properties and atomic structure. This foundational work was vital for many subsequent innovations.

In the mid-19th century, Charles Darwin introduced his theory of evolution through natural selection. His seminal work, *On the Origin of Species*, revolutionized biology and influenced diverse fields such as ethics, psychology, and sociology, prompting society to reconsider humanity’s place in the natural world.

Milestones in Climate Change Policy and Activism

In the 1970s, environmental concerns fueled early climate change activism. The first Earth Day in 1970 galvanized public support for environmental issues, highlighting pollution and ecosystem destruction. Activists laid the groundwork for future climate initiatives, emphasizing the need to protect the planet.

The 1992 Earth Summit in Rio de Janeiro marked a pivotal moment for climate policy. The United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change was established, providing a platform for global dialogue and action on climate change. This framework facilitated commitments to reducing greenhouse gas emissions.

In 1997, the Kyoto Protocol set legally binding targets for developed countries to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. Signed by President Bill Clinton, it aimed for a collaborative approach to combat climate change. However, the United States withdrew under President George W. Bush, citing economic concerns.

In 2015, the Paris Climate Agreement achieved global consensus, with countries committing to limit global temperature rise to well below 2 degrees Celsius. The U.S. initially joined under President Obama, showcasing renewed dedication to climate action, though it later withdrew under President Trump.

The climate movement gained momentum with youth leadership, especially through activists like Greta Thunberg. Her school strikes inspired a global movement, mobilizing millions to demand urgent climate action. This wave of activism spotlighted the generational impact of climate change and the urgent need for political change.