Latest news with #carbonbudget
Yahoo
22-07-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
PM urged to publish new climate plan with 100 days until legal deadline
PM urged to publish new climate plan with 100 days until legal deadline The Prime Minister is being urged to publish the Government's climate action plan ahead of a legal deadline in 100 days. The plea comes in an open letter co-ordinated by Friends of the Earth and signed by more than 50 businesses, unions and campaign groups. The Government is legally obliged to publish a new climate plan by the end of October after it lost a legal challenge last year over the current carbon budget delivery plan, introduced by then-prime minister Sir Rishi Sunak. Former prime minister Sir Rishi Sunak (Jack Taylor/The Times) The plan, which outlines how the UK will meet its targets to cut planet-heating emissions, was found to be unlawful for reasons including the Government providing too little detail on how it would ensure delivery of it policies or would address any shortfalls. ADVERTISEMENT In the letter, the groups argued a 'bold and fair' plan could bring huge economic opportunities that could help ministers deliver their mission for growth – as well as cheap reliable energy, warm homes, clean air, thriving nature, and widespread public transport. It said: 'Boldness in this plan includes clear steps for delivering policy that ensures the UK meets all of its domestic carbon budgets and international climate commitments. 'Boldness will also enable your government to be the global climate leader that you and your ministers have said it will be. 'Fairness means making sure that everyone benefits from the net zero transition, and that no-one is left behind. Marginalised communities are already disproportionately impacted by climate change. 'Fairness in climate policy is also essential so that the long-standing public mandate for action can be maintained.' ADVERTISEMENT Some of the signatories include the British Medical Association, ClientEarth, Faith in Nature, Greenpeace, RSPB, Refugee Action, the Co-operative Bank, University & Collage Union and the Women's Institute. The PA news agency has contacted the Energy Department for comment.
The Independent
22-07-2025
- Politics
- The Independent
PM urged to publish new climate plan with 100 days until legal deadline
The Prime Minister is being urged to publish the Government's climate action plan ahead of a legal deadline in 100 days. The plea comes in an open letter co-ordinated by Friends of the Earth and signed by more than 50 businesses, unions and campaign groups. The Government is legally obliged to publish a new climate plan by the end of October after it lost a legal challenge last year over the current carbon budget delivery plan, introduced by then-prime minister Sir Rishi Sunak. The plan, which outlines how the UK will meet its targets to cut planet-heating emissions, was found to be unlawful for reasons including the Government providing too little detail on how it would ensure delivery of it policies or would address any shortfalls. In the letter, the groups argued a 'bold and fair' plan could bring huge economic opportunities that could help ministers deliver their mission for growth – as well as cheap reliable energy, warm homes, clean air, thriving nature, and widespread public transport. It said: 'Boldness in this plan includes clear steps for delivering policy that ensures the UK meets all of its domestic carbon budgets and international climate commitments. 'Boldness will also enable your government to be the global climate leader that you and your ministers have said it will be. ' Fairness means making sure that everyone benefits from the net zero transition, and that no-one is left behind. Marginalised communities are already disproportionately impacted by climate change. 'Fairness in climate policy is also essential so that the long-standing public mandate for action can be maintained.' Some of the signatories include the British Medical Association, ClientEarth, Faith in Nature, Greenpeace, RSPB, Refugee Action, the Co-operative Bank, University & Collage Union and the Women's Institute.
Yahoo
20-07-2025
- Science
- Yahoo
We're within 3 years of reaching a critical climate threshold. Can we reverse course?
When you buy through links on our articles, Future and its syndication partners may earn a commission. In June, more than 60 climate scientists warned that the remaining "carbon budget" to stay below a dire warming threshold will be exhausted in as little as three years at the current rate of emissions. But if we pass that critical 1.5-degree-Celsius (2.7 degrees Fahrenheit) warming threshold, is a climate catastrophe inevitable? And can we do anything to reverse that temperature rise? Although crossing the 1.5 C threshold will lead to problems, particularly for island nations, and raise the risk of ecosystems permanently transforming, the planet won't nosedive into an apocalypse. And once we rein in emissions, there are ways to slowly bring temperatures down if we wind up crossing that 1.5 C threshold, experts told Live Science. Still, that doesn't mean we should stop trying to curb emissions now, which is cheaper, easier and more effective than reversing a temperature rise that has already happened, Michael Mann, a leading climate scientist and director of the Center for Science, Sustainability and the Media at the University of Pennsylvania, told Live Science in an email. "Every fraction of a degree of warming that we prevent makes us better off," Mann said. Delayed response A report released June 19 found that the world has only 143 billion tons (130 billion metric tons) of carbon dioxide (CO2) left to emit before we likely cross the 1.5 C target set in the Paris Agreement, which was signed by 195 countries to tackle climate change. We currently emit around 46 billion tons (42 billion metric tons) of CO2 per year, according to the World Meteorological Organization. The world is currently 1.2 C (2.2 F) warmer than the preindustrial average, with almost all of this increase in temperature due to human activities, according to the report. But our emissions may have had an even bigger warming impact that has so far been masked, because the ocean has soaked up a lot of excess heat. The ocean will release this extra heat over the next few decades via evaporation and direct heat transfer regardless of whether we curb emissions, according to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA). This means that even if carbon emissions dropped to zero today, global temperatures would continue to rise for a few decades, with experts predicting an extra 0.5 C (0.9 F) of warming from oceans alone. However, temperatures would eventually stabilize as heat radiated out to space. And over several thousand years, Earth would dial temperatures back down to preindustrial levels via natural carbon sinks, such as trees and soils absorbing CO2, according to NOAA. Why 1.5 C? Climate scientists see 1.5 C as a critical threshold: Beyond this limit, levels of warming are unsafe for people living in economically developing countries, and particularly in island nations, said Kirsten Zickfeld, a professor of climate science at Simon Fraser University in Canada. The 1.5 C limit is "an indicator of a state of the climate system where we feel we can still manage the consequences," Zickfeld told Live Science. A huge amount of additional heat could be baked into the ocean and later released if we exceed 1.5 C, which is another reason why scientists are worried about crossing this threshold. Speeding past 1.5 C also increases the risk of passing climate tipping points, which are elements of the Earth system that can quickly switch into a dramatically different state. For example, the Greenland Ice Sheet could suddenly tumble into the ocean, and the Amazon rainforest could transform into a dry savanna. Reversing temperature rise Although it's best to reduce emissions as quickly as we can, it may still be possible to reverse a temperature rise of 1.5 C or more if we pass that critical threshold. The technology needed isn't quite developed yet, so there is a lot of uncertainty about what is feasible. If we do start to bring temperatures down again, it would not undo the effects of passing climate tipping points. For example, it would not refreeze ice sheets or cause sea levels to fall after they've already risen. But it would significantly reduce risks for ecosystems that respond more quickly to temperature change, such as permafrost-covered tundras. Reversing temperature rise requires not just net zero emissions, but net negative emissions, Zickfeld said. Net zero would mean we sequester as much CO2 via natural carbon sinks and negative emissions technologies as we emit. Negative emissions would require systems that suck carbon out of the atmosphere and then bury it underground — often known as carbon capture and storage. Net zero may halt warming. But if we want to reverse warming, we must remove more carbon from the atmosphere than we emit, Zickfield said. Scientists estimate that 0.1 C (0.2 F) of warming is equivalent to 243 billion tons (220 billion metric tons) of CO2, which is a "massive amount," Zickfeld said. "Let's say if we go to 1.6 C [2.9 F] and we want to drop down to 1.5 C — we need to remove around 220 billion metric tons of carbon dioxide." Currently, nature-based carbon-removal techniques, such as planting trees, sequester around 2.2 billion tons (2 billion metric tons) of CO2 each year. "So we need to scale that up by a factor of 100 to drop us down by 0.1 C" in one year, Zickfeld said. Due to competing demands for land, it is highly unlikely that we could plant enough forests or restore enough peatland to meaningfully reverse temperature change, Zickfeld said. This means we will definitely need negative emissions technologies, she said. However, most negative emissions technologies are still being tested, so it's difficult to say how effective they would be, Zickfeld said. These technologies are also extremely expensive and will likely remain so for a long time, Robin Lamboll, a climate researcher at Imperial College London and a co-author of the recent report, told Live Science in an email. "In practice we will be doing quite well if we find that the rollout of these technologies does any more than bring us to net zero," Lamboll said. There is some uncertainty about how Earth might respond to net zero, and it's possible that the planet might cool at that point. "If we cool at all, we do so very slowly. In a very optimistic case we might go down by 0.3 C [0.5 F] in 50 years," Lamboll said. RELATED STORIES —2 billion people could face chaotic and 'irreversible' shift in rainfall patterns if warming continues —Climate wars are approaching — and they will redefine global conflict —Kids born today are going to grow up in a hellscape, grim climate study finds There is no requirement under the Paris Agreement for countries to roll out negative emissions technologies. But the goal of the agreement to stay well below 2 C (3.6 F) means that governments may decide to ramp up these technologies once we pass 1.5 C, Lamboll said. Figures from the recent report indicate that at the current rate of emissions, the remaining carbon budgets to stay below 1.6 C, 1.7 C (3.1 F) and 2 C could be used up within seven, 12 and 25 years, respectively. "If we do pass 1.5 C, 1.6 C is a whole lot better than 1.7 C, and 1.7 C is a whole lot better than 1.8 C [3.2 F]," Mann said in an interview with BBC World News America in June. "At this point, the challenge is to reduce carbon emissions as quickly as we can to avert ever-worse impacts." It's worth noting that the world is making progress with emission cuts, Mann added in the interview. "Let's recognize that we're starting to turn the corner," he said. Solve the daily Crossword
Sustainability Times
06-07-2025
- Science
- Sustainability Times
'We Can't Stop It Anymore': Climate Scientists Confirm Critical Warming Threshold Will Be Breached Within Just Three Years
IN A NUTSHELL 🌍 Earth's carbon budget is at risk of being depleted in just three years due to record greenhouse gas emissions. is at risk of being depleted in just three years due to record greenhouse gas emissions. 📉 The 1.5 degree Celsius threshold is a critical tipping point, beyond which climate impacts become severe and irreversible. is a critical tipping point, beyond which climate impacts become severe and irreversible. 🌡️ Current global warming is accelerating, with oceans absorbing 90% of excess heat, disrupting ecosystems and raising sea levels. 🌱 Renewable energy adoption and emission reductions are key to peaking carbon emissions this decade and mitigating climate change impacts. The urgency of addressing climate change has never been more pressing, as record greenhouse gas emissions threaten to deplete Earth's 'carbon budget' in just three years. This alarming scenario underscores the need for immediate action to curb emissions and transition to renewable energy sources. According to recent evaluations, only a limited amount of carbon dioxide remains before we exceed the targets set by the Paris Agreement. As emissions continue to rise, the window to make impactful changes is rapidly closing. The scientific community is emphasizing the critical nature of this moment, urging governments and industries to act swiftly to prevent irreversible damage to our planet. Understanding Earth's Carbon Budget The concept of Earth's carbon budget is essential for grasping the limits we face in combating climate change. It represents the total amount of carbon dioxide humanity can emit while still maintaining a chance to avoid catastrophic climate impacts. This budget takes into account past emissions, future projections, and the planet's capacity to absorb carbon dioxide. As emissions persist, the budget diminishes, making it crucial for global efforts to reduce carbon output. Calculated through sophisticated climate models, the carbon budget is a dynamic figure that reflects human activities' ongoing impact on the environment. The rapid depletion of this budget is a stark reminder of the urgency required in reducing emissions. Without decisive action, the ability to limit warming to 1.5 degrees Fahrenheit above pre-industrial levels will become increasingly unattainable. '65 million containers per year': this massive automated port will transform global shipping forever The Significance of the 1.5 Degree Celsius Threshold The target of limiting global warming to 1.5 degrees Celsius above pre-industrial levels is not an arbitrary goal but is grounded in scientific research. This threshold is seen as a critical tipping point beyond which the consequences of climate change could become severe and irreversible. Exceeding this limit could lead to an increase in extreme weather events, significant biodiversity loss, and rising sea levels. Once crossed, these impacts may lead to ecosystems and human societies reaching points of no return. The scientific basis for this threshold highlights the importance of stabilizing global temperatures to mitigate the most detrimental effects of climate change. Maintaining the 1.5-degree limit is crucial for preserving the planet's ecological balance and safeguarding future generations. No, you're not dreaming: your allergies are getting worse : this relentless surge is driven by climate change and it's only the beginning Accelerating Climate Change and Its Consequences Current global warming, estimated at 2.24 degrees Fahrenheit above pre-industrial averages, is progressing at an alarming rate. Oceans, which absorb approximately 90% of this excess heat, are experiencing significant disruptions, affecting marine ecosystems and accelerating sea level rise. The repercussions for coastal areas and their populations are already becoming evident. The potential impacts on agriculture are also concerning. Key crop yields, such as corn and wheat, could decrease by up to 40%, while drought conditions are already affecting 30% of the world's land. These changes threaten food security and water availability, highlighting the interconnected nature of climate change's effects. Despite these challenges, there is hope that emissions may peak within this decade, contingent on the rapid adoption of renewable energy and substantial emission reductions. 'Carbon Transfer Achieved at Sea': Shanghai Stuns the World With First-Ever Ship-to-Ship CO2 Operation in Open Waters The Path Forward: Renewable Energy and Emission Reductions Despite the daunting challenges posed by climate change, there remains a window of opportunity to reverse the trend. Scientists are optimistic that with concerted global efforts, emissions could peak shortly before declining. This potential transition hinges on the widespread adoption of renewable energy sources and significant reductions in carbon emissions. The next few years are pivotal in determining the extent of climate impacts. Policymakers, industries, and communities must collaborate to implement sustainable practices and technologies. By prioritizing renewable energy and embracing innovative solutions, we can pave the way for a more resilient and sustainable future. The question remains: will we rise to the occasion and take the necessary steps to safeguard our planet for generations to come? Our author used artificial intelligence to enhance this article. Did you like it? 4.5/5 (26)
Yahoo
22-06-2025
- Science
- Yahoo
Climate Experts Issue Stark Warning About Global Warming Timeline
A new report from more than 60 of the world's top climate scientists paints a sobering picture: humanity could exhaust its carbon budget for limiting global warming to 1.5 degrees Celsius in just three years. If current emissions continue unchecked, the long-established target set by the Paris Agreement may soon slip permanently out of reach, BBC News reported. Since the late 1800s, average global temperatures have climbed steadily, driven by relentless carbon dioxide emissions from coal, oil, and gas, as well as widespread deforestation. While the 1.5 °C threshold was meant to avoid the worst impacts of climate change, scientists say we're now hurtling toward it faster than anyone expected. "We're seeing some unprecedented changes," said lead author Professor Piers Forster of the University of Leeds. "The heating of the Earth and sea-level rise are accelerating, and it's tied directly to emissions." The updated analysis, released this week, estimates that only 130 billion metric tons of CO₂ can still be emitted globally to stay under the 1.5 °C limit with a 50 percent chance. At the current rate of around 40 billion tons per year, that leaves just over three years before the budget is spent. Adding to the urgency, last year marked the first time global temperatures exceeded 1.5 °C for an entire 12-month period. While one year doesn't constitute a formal breach of the Paris goal, the trend is alarming. Scientists warn that continued warming will bring more extreme weather, rising sea levels, and ecosystem disruptions, affecting millions of people worldwide. Much of the excess heat has been absorbed by the oceans, leading to faster sea-level rise and marine ecosystem damage. The rate of sea-level rise has doubled since the 1990s. Still, there's a sliver of hope. The report notes that while emissions remain high, their rate of increase has slowed, thanks in part to clean energy technologies. Experts stress that aggressive emission cuts now could still blunt the worst impacts. "Every fraction of a degree matters," said climate scientist Joeri Rogelj. "Reducing emissions today will ease suffering tomorrow."Climate Experts Issue Stark Warning About Global Warming Timeline first appeared on Men's Journal on Jun 19, 2025
