New global policies such as carbon pricing are needed if we are to avoid an apocalyptic increase in temperatureWe are following a path that will ultimately retract us to a 4C-warmer world. A hot state where it is unlikely that we can generate food,water and shelter for all citizens, where sea level rise will ultimately exceed 10 metres, or where social insecurity and widespread disease will very likely be universal.
Along the way we will reach several critical tipping points. One such is at 2C – a scenario that may prompt the soil system to shift from self-cooling by means of buffering emissions to self-warming,thereby putting us on a path to a “hothouse soil”. At 3C we reach a point where extreme floods and droughts will force people to leave their homes; more powerful hurricanes will slay urban infrastructure. Related: World 'nowhere near on track' to avoid warming beyond 1.5C target Related: The Guardian view on climate policy failures: dont give up | Editorial Continue reading...
Source: theguardian.com