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 Scientists by Environmental Issue:
Climate Change
We’ve all heard that burning fossil fuels—such as coal in our power plants and petroleum in our cars—increases carbon dioxide, methane, nitrous oxide, and other gases in the atmosphere. These gases trap the sun’s heat and cause Earth’s surface temperature to rise, a process called “the greenhouse effect.”
To make matters worse, as we clear land for development and cut down trees for lumber, we remove plants that help purify the air and lower temperatures by shading the Earth. The end result is that rising temperatures may contribute to global warming, affecting our planet’s climate.
Discover how Field Museum scientists study fossil plants and animals and their reactions to climate changes in the ancient past. Other museum scientists study the sensitivity and adaptations of living plants, fungi, and animals to changing temperature, rainfall, and pollution levels. Using this information, scientists can make predictions on how biodiversity and natural vegetation may respond in a future greenhouse world.
Select which scientist you’d like to meet first:
Introduction | Investigate Biodiversity | YBC | Meet the Scientist | Explore Global Diversity | Events and Programs | Take Action! | Teaching Biodiversity | Biodiversity Exhibition | Credits
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Due to fossil fuel use and deforestation, we can expect to see major changes in our lifetime due to global warming and increased greenhouse gases.
—Jennifer McElwain
Assistant Curator, Paleobotany
The Field Museum
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