CO₂ AR vs Climate Change Explorer

When burning coal, oil and gas, carbon dioxide—also known as CO₂—is released into the atmosphere. To date, CO₂ emissions have risen dramatically. In the short industrial history of just 250 years, humans have increased the amount of CO₂ in the atmosphere by around 40 %. An alarming value unprecedented on Earth in the past four million years. Humankind has accumulated CO₂ and other greenhouse gases in the atmosphere which has already increased average global temperature by one degree Celsius since 1750. Our app allows you to visualise the history of CO₂ emissions—and also the possible futures. By combining data from the Carbon Dioxide Information Analysis Center (CDIAC) and the baseline projections of CO₂ emissions by the Potsdam Institute for Climate Impact Research (PIK), we were able to visualize the CO₂ emissions from 1751 to 2100 on a highly detailed geographical level. The app also provides you with two possible CO₂ futures: one with a policy of measures against climate change—and one without.

At Historic Environment Scotland, understanding how changes in our climate are impacting our organisation is central to our climate action ambitions. Changes in our climate, such as the increasing frequency and intensity of extreme weather events, introduces a range of physical climate risks to our organisation. This includes risks to our people, the natural capital of our properties, our operations and our physical assets. There are further ‘transition’ climate risks introduced as society takes actions and moves towards a low-carbon economy. Understanding these risks and impacts, and adapting to them, is a key deliverable of our Climate Action Plan with work currently underway. This app lets you explore Edinburgh, Scotland’s capital city and a UNESCO World Heritage site, and how climate change is impacting some of its historic sites. The app is based on a 3D model of the city created for the Scottish Ten project, which sought to accurately record Scotland’s World Heritage sites in 3D using cutting edge technologies, to help support their conservation, management, interpretation and virtual accessibility. FEEDBACK We're always looking for feedback so please send any ideas on how we can improve the app to digitaldocumentation@hes.scot or rate us in the app store.