There is much we do not understand about Earth's climate. That is hardly surprising, given the complex interplay of physical, chemical and biological processes that determines what happens on our planet’s surface and in its atmosphere.
Despite this, we can be certain about some things. For a start, the planet is warming, and human activity is largely responsible. But how much is Earth on course to warm by? What will the global and local effects be? How will it affect our lives?
In these articles,
Michael Le Page sifts through the evidence to provide a brief guide to what we currently do – and don't – know about the planet's most burning issue.
The problem for the plants, animals and people living today is that they and we have adapted to the unusually stable climate of the past few thousand years
The Amazon could become grassland. Massive amounts of methane could be released from undersea hydrates. And we may not realise in time to do anything about it
The superlatives fly when it comes to the Three Gorges, but is it delivering the promised benefits? New Scientist travelled down the Yangtze to find out
Egg-free mayonnaise is just the first in a line of eco-friendly products from Josh Tetrick's company, Hampton Creek. But what is the secret ingredient?
