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A new scenario logic for the Paris Agreement long-term temperature goal

Authors :
Rogelj, Joeri
Huppmann, Daniel
Krey, Volker
Riahi, Keywan
Clarke, Leon
Gidden, Matthew
Nicholls, Zebedee
Source :
Nature. September, 2019, Vol. 573 Issue 7774, p357, 7 p.
Publication Year :
2019

Abstract

To understand how global warming can be kept well below 2 degrees Celsius and even 1.5 degrees Celsius, climate policy uses scenarios that describe how society could reduce its greenhouse gas emissions. However, current scenarios have a key weakness: they typically focus on reaching specific climate goals in 2100. This choice may encourage risky pathways that delay action, reach higher-than-acceptable mid-century warming, and rely on net removal of carbon dioxide thereafter to undo their initial shortfall in reductions of emissions. Here we draw on insights from physical science to propose a scenario framework that focuses on capping global warming at a specific maximum level with either temperature stabilization or reversal thereafter. The ambition of climate action until carbon neutrality determines peak warming, and can be followed by a variety of long-term states with different sustainability implications. The approach proposed here closely mirrors the intentions of the United Nations Paris Agreement, and makes questions of intergenerational equity into explicit design choices. Fundamental value judgments about acceptable maximum levels of climate change and future reliance on controversial technologies can be made explicitly in climate scenarios, thereby addressing the intergenerational bias present in the scenario literature.<br />Author(s): Joeri Rogelj [sup.1] [sup.2] [sup.3] , Daniel Huppmann [sup.1] , Volker Krey [sup.1] [sup.4] , Keywan Riahi [sup.1] [sup.5] , Leon Clarke [sup.6] , Matthew Gidden [sup.1] , Zebedee [...]

Details

Language :
English
ISSN :
00280836
Volume :
573
Issue :
7774
Database :
Gale General OneFile
Journal :
Nature
Publication Type :
Academic Journal
Accession number :
edsgcl.600067941
Full Text :
https://doi.org/10.1038/s41586-019-1541-4