Future climate warming depends on you!
10. Feb, 2010 
View Comments
The models predict that this level of CO2 will produce what some call a “roasted world”There are many people that worry that we are passed a tipping point in climate, and that no matter what we do, we can no longer change the course that we are on. The bad news is that this is true, but only to a point. The good news is that our actions today will change the degree (no pun intended) of global warming that we experience.
Our climate models that are used to predict future warming have improved to the point that the greatest uncertainty in the future of this planet’s climate is … drum roll please … us! If we continue to grow and continue to burn fossil fuels (coal and oil) at the present rates, we will quadruple (4X) the CO2 in the atmosphere from pre-industrial levels. The models predict that this level of CO2 will produce what some call a “roasted world” — one in which temperatures reach 12-25 deg. F.
If, however, we act quickly, thoughtfully, and universally, we can reduce emissions. One of the most hopeful emissions scenarios is to only reach a doubling (2X) of preindustrial CO2 by 2100. Cutting back CO2 emissions to only reach 2x CO2 by 2100 will be extremely difficult, but essential! This scenario produces the type of warming that Al Gore speaks about. Sure, it will be terrible, but the planet will still be inhabitable.
Look at the results of a climate model with both 2X (top) and 4X CO2 (bottom) by 2100 and ask yourself if anything can be done.
Related posts:
Comments