Can we dare to hope?

The world has to slash carbon emissions by almost half in the next seven years to remain on track for just 1.5C of global heating and avoid the worst of climate impacts. And yet, globally emissions continue to rise.

 Can we dare to hope that we realize this goal. Yes, the recent report from the Intergovernmental Panel of Climate Change (IPCC) has a chart that provides the road map for the potential for emissions cuts of more than 40 options. Compiled by some of the world’s best scientists, it was signed off by all of the world’s governments.

 The IPCC chart is a map of climate optimism. We can cut emissions by half by 2030 with options costing at most $100 per tonne. The solutions—wind, solar, trees, energy saving and methane cuts—require no new technology. But what they do require is political will to push aside vested interest and rapidly pursue the policies that will work.

Excerpted, the Guardian, April 20, 2023, Damian Carrington