Earth’s climate needs our courage
The world is not on track with regard to its CO2 emissions. In order to achieve the Paris climate targets, we all need to show courage and commitment, says Nicolas Gruber - Professor of Environmental Physics at the Department of Environmental Systems Science and Associate Member of ISTP. (Re-post from ETH Zukunftsblog)
Our carbon budget is dwindling
In fact, CO2 emissions from burning fossil fuels have risen to more than ten billion tonnes of carbon (Gt C) for the first time. If the approximately 1.5 Gt C from tropical deforestation are included, human-induced emissions exceeded 11.5 Gt C in 2018, corresponding to almost 43 billion tonnes of CO2. This means that the remaining amount of CO2 that we can still emit according to the Paris Agreement is rapidly dwindling. The carbon budget for achieving the two-degree target is around 1,100 billion tonnes of CO2, which would be used up in 25 years if emissions remained the same. To achieve a maximum temperature rise of 1.5 degrees, we have less than ten years remaining. Once the carbon budget is used up, every additional ton of CO2 emitted must be removed from the atmosphere.
Change is underway
But there are signs of hope: 19 countries, including Switzerland and a few EU member states, have been able to reduce their CO2 emissions in the last decade without slowing their economies. Furthermore, the IEA has repeatedly underestimated the growth of new renewable energies in the past. Many renewable energy sources have undergone impressive learning curves, making them significantly cheaper today and in some cases competitive. Last year, renewables accounted for more than 60 percent of the newly installed global electricity production. Numerous companies and cities have recognised the risks of climate change and want to take action. Political pressure from the general public is increasing.
Increasing the pace
In my opinion, three factors are required to achieve this acceleration. First, we humans must recognise climate change as a real threat, take it seriously and then be prepared to walk the talk. Second, research and businesses must provide the technology and processes to meet our needs in a CO2-neutral manner. Finally, politics and businesses should provide appropriate financial and political framework conditions. All three areas have picked up a lot of momentum recently, but their actions are not yet synched. I am confident that if we manage to align the interests of these actors and coordinate their actions, we will unlock a lot of potential and pick up a lot of speed.
"Economic and societal changes have begun and are picking up speed. But unfortunately, the current pace of change is not enough."Nicolas Gruber
For more information and the full article, please visit the ETH Zukunftsblog page.