We have only three years to prevent a climate catastrophe

If global carbon emissions do not begin to decline over the next three years, the planet will face a dangerous level of climate change, and the goals set by the Paris Climate Agreement will be unattainable. In a letter published in the journal Nature, experts, including former UN climate leader Christiana Figueres, outlined the goals to be achieved by 2020 to protect the planet, so that we have the hope of coping with climate change.

Climate disaster

Experts write that even with an increase in global temperature of 1 ° C (1.8 ° F), sea ice continues to melt, corals are dying, and ecosystems are collapsing. Although we have ceased to increase the amount of carbon dioxide emissions, they still remain in the atmosphere, so the air temperature continues to grow. The next three years can be called a turning point in this situation.

But do not be discouraged. Undoubtedly, the news that we may have only three years to establish control over the situation may seem pessimistic in the current political climate, but there are good signs that we have a chance to change everything. The authors of the letter say that now there are procedures that can be put in place to limit this warming. Nevertheless, you need to start acting as soon as possible.

"These goals can be at best idealistic, at worst unrealistic," the authors write. "Nevertheless, we live in an era of exponential transformation and believe that by focusing on these problems, we will be able to show ingenuity." The authors of the letter tell us how the world should be in 2020 so that we can avoid destructive and dangerous climate change.

Renewable energy sources

They say that renewable energy sources must account for at least 30 percent of the world's electricity supply, which is 6.5 percent more than in 2015. Construction and infrastructure should be fully decarbonized by 2050, and heavy industry should increase its efficiency and reduce emissions.

Transport

A serious problem is transport. Electric cars will have to account for at least 15 percent of new vehicle sales around the world, far more than the current 1 percent. Also, plans should be made for further reduction of emissions from public transport and a 20 per cent reduction in greenhouse gas emissions from aircraft.

Forest restoration

Do not forget about the problems of land use. If changes in land use and deforestation are completely stopped within a decade and by 2030 forest restoration starts, this will help not only to reduce all emissions to zero, but also to protect water security and biodiversity.

Financing

When it comes to funding, governments need to step up work, as the authors of the article predict that most of the money mobilized for climate action will come from the private sector. It may seem that this list of mandatory tasks is too large, but if we do not cut emissions, we will be among those who will suffer first.

How to prevent a catastrophe

The letter goes on to explain how these goals can be achieved. Experts state the need to develop policies and actions based on reliable scientific data. This means that scientists need to know how best to reveal their ideas, and politicians - to listen carefully to them. Then it is necessary to expand the scale of existing solutions, and it should be done as quickly as possible. All countries should develop plans to receive 100 percent of electricity from renewable sources.

Finally, we need to be optimistic. All our efforts and plans may seem pointless, and it's frustrating, but we should remember the existing solutions and success stories that are worth sharing with each other.

"We must remember that nothing is impossible, and it's all about our attitude to the problem," the authors conclude. "There will always be those who hide their heads in the sand and ignore the global risks of climate change. But many of us are determined to overcome this inertia. Let's stay optimistic and act together. "