How the Cold War led us to Climate Change

Climate scientist James Hanson is testifying before the United States Senate in 1988 .

This is a crucial moment in the history of climate change, the moment that the idea of man made climate change entered the political mainstream of the largest emitter on earth, the USA .

The idea of modern climate science as we know it only came about because of the Cold War .

The Cold War funded the study of carbon emissions in the atmosphere.

The research was funded by U.S. government money and data collected from equipment originally designed to hunt for radioactive fallout.

Scientists found carbon dioxide levels rising due to the burning of carbon by burning fossil fuels.

The study would not have been possible without the Cold War .

But if you find the development of atmospheric science an interesting feel, an interesting idea, then you should check out the book that I have just announced called Firmament. It's available to pre-order now. They'll be linking in the description to the video where I talk all about it. Here's some recommended viewing for you next. If you like this, then you should like those. And again, thank you for watching. I'll see you in the next one..