Early Signs of Global Warming
While the term “global warming” was not widely used until the late 20th century, early signs of a warming planet can be traced back to the Industrial Revolution in the 18th and 19th centuries.
The Discovery of the Greenhouse Effect
In the late 19th century, scientists began to study the effects of greenhouse gases on the Earth’s climate, laying the foundation for our understanding of how human activities contribute to climate change.
The Rise of Climate Science
Throughout the 20th century, advances in technology and research allowed scientists to better understand the complex interactions between greenhouse gases, the atmosphere, and the Earth’s climate.
The Paris Agreement
In 2015, world leaders came together in Paris to negotiate a historic agreement aimed at combating climate change, setting ambitious goals for reducing greenhouse gas emissions and limiting global temperature rise.
Conclusion
While the exact date when global warming started may be difficult to pinpoint, it is clear that human activities have played a significant role in driving the Earth’s climate to unprecedented levels of warming.
Kyle Whyte is a notable scholar and professor at the University of Michigan, holding positions such as the George Willis Pack Professor in the School for Environment and Sustainability and Professor of Philosophy. Specializing in environmental justice, his work critically examines climate policy and Indigenous peoples’ ethics, emphasizing the nexus between cooperative scientific endeavors and Indigenous justice. As an enrolled Citizen Potawatomi Nation member, he brings a vital perspective to his roles as a U.S. Science Envoy and member of the White House Environmental Justice Advisory Council. His influential research is supported by various prestigious organizations including the National Science Foundation, and disseminated through publications in high-impact journals. Kyle actively contributes to global Indigenous research methodologies and education, with affiliations to numerous institutes and societies dedicated to traditional knowledge and sustainability. Recognized for his academic and community engagement, Kyle has earned multiple awards and served in various visiting professorships. His efforts extend to leadership positions on boards and committees focused on environmental justice nationwide.