The laws of physics and chemistry will determine the future of our climate. No amount of debate will change the dangerous impacts our greenhouse gas emissions are having on our planetary habitat. As Voltaire declared, “Men argue, nature acts.”
The recent IPCC report by the world’s leading climate scientists gave us a clear climate Stop Sign. The report said that to keep the increase in global temperature safely below 1.5 degrees Celsius, we must reduce global greenhouse gas emissions 40 to 60 percent by 2030, and reach net-zero emissions by 2050. Beyond these tipping points it is almost certain that we will plunge off the climate cliff into an unlivable world where powerful natural feedbacks will be unstoppable.
Taking action to reduce our emissions is like applying the brakes in a car. To stop the car in the shortest distance possible the brakes must be strongly applied but skidding must be avoided. We must quickly make major emissions reductions and increase the reductions over time and we must avoid major delays and setbacks.