Scientists assert: we have only six years remaining
Scientists have published a new report in "Nature Climate Change", issuing a stark warning about the looming climate crisis. They assert that to limit global warming to 1.5 degrees Celsius (2.7 degrees Fahrenheit), drastic reductions in carbon dioxide emissions are crucial. Research shows the maximum emission level that will not result in disastrous temperature increases on Earth.
Nov 6, 2023 | updated: 6:04 AM EST, November 7, 2023
"If we aim to have a 50 percent chance of limiting global warming to 1.5°C, the total emission of carbon dioxide must not exceed an additional 250 gigatons (billion metric tons)" - scientists warn on the Science Alert platform.
Considering that the current global emission level is 40 gigatons CO2 per year, a simple calculation reveals that we have slightly less than six years remaining to reach the limit suggested by scientists.
"Our estimates align with an assessment published in June by 50 top climatologists and have been updated with recent climate data reported by the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) in August 2021," state the authors of the report.
While the prospect of zero CO2 emissions might seem overly optimistic and ideal for environmentalists, it is essential to remember that apart from CO2, humanity releases other greenhouse gases and pollutants contributing to climate change.
Nearly all emission projections foresee a reduction in aerosol emissions in the future, irrespective of whether the use of fossil fuels will be gradually ended or if CO2 emissions continue to decrease. Scientists predict stricter air quality and cleaner combustion regulations, even in scenarios where CO2 emissions rise.
"The window of opportunity to limit global warming to 1.5°C above pre-industrial levels is rapidly closing. Although we revised the budget for remaining carbon dioxide emissions, the message from earlier analyses remains consistent: a radical reduction in greenhouse gas emissions is vital in the fight against climate change," experts stress on the Science Alert platform.
