![]() ![]() Today, solar and wind-power systems would be able to collect enough solar energy from the sun easily. Tyson points out that in both cases, the economics and ease of using cheap coal and oil caused these inventions toīe overlooked at the time. Tyson then notes that humans have discovered means of harvesting solar power, such as Augustin Mouchot's solar-driven motor in the 19th century, and Frank Shuman's solar-based steam generator in the 1910s. ![]() The increase in carbon dioxide has led to an increase in temperatures, in turn leading to positive feedback loops of the melting polar ice caps and dethawing of the permafrost to increase carbon dioxide levels. Evidence has shown this to be from humankind's consumption of oil, coal,Īnd gas instead of from volcanic eruptions due to the isotopic signature of the carbon dioxide. ![]() Tyson then notes the delicate nature of the amount of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere can influence Earth's climate due to the greenhouse effect, and that levels of carbon dioxide have been increasing since the start of the 20th century. Tyson begins by describing the long-term history of the planet Venus īased on readings from the Venera series of probes to the planet, the planet had once had an ocean and an atmosphere, but due to the release of carbon dioxide from volcanic eruptions, the runaway greenhouse effect on Venus caused the surface temperatures to increase and boiled away the oceans. This episode explores the nature of the greenhouse effect (discovered by Joseph Fourier and Svante Arrhenius), and the evidence demonstrating the existence of global warming from humanity's influence. ![]()
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