The world is whiffing on its biggest climate goal
This story appeared in Today, Explained, a daily newsletter that helps you understand the most compelling news and stories of the day. For more than a decade, 1.5 degrees Celsius has been the watchword — er, watch temperature? — of climate policy. If the world could hold warming at that level, it could stave off some […]
Even as we strive to limit climate change, we must prepare for the warming that cannot be avoided. For over a decade, 1.5 degrees Celsius has been the target of climate policy, as researchers believed it could prevent the worst impacts of global warming. However, a recent United Nations assessment reveals that the world will likely exceed this threshold within the next few years, barring any miraculous intervention.
Under current policies, temperatures are projected to rise by 2.6 degrees Celsius by 2100. While this is far from a Mad Max scenario, it will significantly alter human life. The report confirms what many have long warned— that a temporary overshoot of 1.5 degrees is inevitable, but the extent and duration of this overshoot depend on our current efforts to reduce emissions and remove carbon.
It is crucial that we not only focus on preventing further warming but also prepare for the changes we cannot stop. Adaptation to a rapidly warming world is essential, yet it has not always been a priority for advocates or philanthropists. Historically, some have viewed adaptation as a form of laziness, as Al Gore famously described it in his 1992 book Earth in the Balance.
However, Gore and others have since reevaluated their stance, recognizing that adaptation is necessary. Bill Gates, a prominent philanthropist, has also shifted his focus towards adaptation, advocating for policies that measure success by improvements in human welfare, not just emissions or temperature. Many countries and US states have already begun implementing adaptation measures, such as France's national heat plan following a deadly heat wave in 2003.
However, more drastic adaptations will be necessary, with some regions, like Fiji, already relocating coastal villages to cope with rising sea levels. While adaptation may seem like an easy solution, it is far from it. The challenges are immense, and the cost will be significant. This realization may be why "climate adaptation" no longer sounds like a lazy approach.
Written by urgent.news from Vox's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
