Global Climate Change

Medieval Global Temperature Optimum
The medieval global temperature optimum was a warm period that occurred in the North Atlantic area between 950-1250 AD.  During this period of time, scientists saw temperatures that were significantly warmer than the norm in areas such as Greenland, as well as parts of Europe and Asia. During this time, scientists also saw extended periods of drought in areas like the Sierra Nevada mountain range as well as parts of Australia.  Other areas, like northern China, experienced fluctuation between heavy rainfall and drought.  As studies were conducted, it was concluded that it was very likely that these climate changes were due to atmospheric circulation patterns.  These changes in patterns may have caused storm tracks to shift.  It is speculated that these shifts may have had an effect on why the temperatures during this time were significantly warmer.  However, despite these discoveries, many aren't so sure the medieval global temperature optimum is something worth studying, simply because the temperature change did not seem so significant.  According to these people, the shift in temperature was only around one or two degrees, making it not very much different than our climate today.  However, shortly after this time period, a period known today as the "Little Ice Age" occurred, drawing even more attention to climate change.
Little Ice Age
The Little Ice Age was said to have occurred somewhere between 1350 and 1850.  This however, like the medieval global temperature optimum, was not thought to be a global issue.  In fact, many scientists believe that the Little Ice Age only affected the Northern Hemisphere.  This slight decrease in temperature in these areas are said to have been caused by many different factors, ranging from heightened volcanic activity all the way to the decrease in human population.  Volcanic activity had an impact on the climate because of the ash it produced, which then blocked out the sun rays that were responsible for warming the planet.  When it came to decreases in human population, scientists believe that after events, like the Black Death, reforestation was able to occur, therefore allowing more carbon dioxide into the atmosphere.  Regardless of reason, the Little Ice Age was a time of colder winters, frozen waterways, and destroyed pieces of land due to glacial activity.  Overall, both the medieval global temperature optimum and the little ice age were some of the earliest moments where people began to see global or regional climate change.  These observations have now popped up again in todays society and have become major points of discussion both politically and socially.

Air Quality--New Delhi

At the Indira Gandhi National Airport in New Delhi, air quality measurements have reached dangerous levels.  According to the air quality index, IGI Airport posts a horrifying 202 on the air pollution level given.  A 202 on this scale means that this area of New Delhi is deemed as a very unhealthy place to live.  It also means that anyone living in this area is at a higher risk for medical issues.  These numbers have reached such tragic heights because of the exhaust put out by all of the airplanes coming in and out of this area.  Indira Ganhi National Airport has recently become India and South Asia's largest aviation hub, meaning even more planes would be flying in and out of its terminals.  Because of the increase of plane flow that occurs through this airport, exhaust fumes have created a smog throughout the area of New Delhi.  This makes the air that New Delhi citizens are breathing in harmful to their lungs.  Some people may develop asthma while others may develop things as serious as lung cancer.  Due to this increase of smog and pollution, people living in this area are prompted to wear protective masks when leaving their homes.  Overall, pollution needs to be decreased and air quality needs to start seeing some improvements soon before New Delhians find themselves even more at risk.

Smog created by air pollution from airport (New Delhi)