WILL STEFFEN Earth System Scientist University of Florida, University of Missouri, Australian National University FEAR: LOSS OF CONTROL OF THE CLIMATE SYSTEM The climate is related to many parts of the Earth; the land, the ocean, the ice, the atmosphere. We’re noticing abrupt changes in all of these areas. We’ll reach a point where we’ll lose control over the system. Right now, if we reduce our emissions, we can probably stabilise the system. If we push the climate too far, if we start losing ice too rapidly, start flipping things like the Amazon, then the internal dynamics of the climate will take over – and even if we pull emissions back, we won’t be able to stop very large changes – that’s my biggest fear. The thing people don’t realise, is getting emissions down is not only feasible but economically promising and will actually lead to a better life. The narrative needs to change, it’s not all doom and gloom. Yes, it will be another massive transformation in human history, but it will lead to a cleaner environment, to more jobs, and an easier lifestyle. We still have a chance to pull back climate change, but we need to act vigorously and we need to act soon.
Posted on: Wed, 27 Aug 2014 01:32:27 +0000
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