Two Degrees
Two Degrees
Two Degrees is the countries of the G8 today approved a target of 2° C rise in global average temperature above the natural, preanthropogenic climate, that they resolve should be avoided. The Europeans have been pushing for 2 degrees as a target maximum temperature for several years, but this is something of a growth for the Americans. They posted lately on two new papers about what it would take to limit global average warming, finding that it would demand fairly strong change in trajectory. About 2° C as a target, we wrote, even a “moderate” warming of 2°C stands a strong chance of provoking drought and storm responses that could demand civilized society, leading potentially to the conflict and suffering that go with failed states and mass migrations. Global warming of 2°C would leave the Earth warmer than it has been in millions of years, a disruption of climate considerations that have been stable for longer than the history of human agriculture. Given the drought that already afflicts Australia, the changing of the sea ice in the Arctic, and the increasing storm damage after only 0.8°C of warming so far, a target of 2°C seems almost cavalier.
Have a Question? Ask Us
Tell us what are you looking for in DETAIL
We will reply as soon as your question is attended, please be patient