Having read Six Degrees by Mark Lynas, I outline the thesis and ask if you think his target is achieveable.
Mr Lynas details scientific knowledge about what will happen with each degree of warming. He details the tipping points which will exacerbate the influence of man-made emissions.
At 2 to 3 degs carbon cycle absorption mechanisms will fail worldwide.
At 3 to 4 degs Siberian permafrost will thaw and release vast amounts of methane.
At 4 to 5 degs methane hydrates will begin to melt and release even more methane.
Each mechanism adds a degree or more to warming predictions. The cascade starts at just 2 degs. Go over that and the earth will get 6 degs warmer in a matter of decades, wiping out 95% of life on the planet with no chance of stopping it.
The conclusion is that we must stay below 2deg warmer, which equates to around 400ppm CO2. We are currently at 382ppm.
To avoid this we must:
Stop emissions growth by 2015
Cut emissions by 60% by 2030
Cut them by 90% by 2050
2007-05-13
07:09:17
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10 answers
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asked by
co2_emissions
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Global Warming