Though humans have been equipped with the tools and knowledge required to curb carbon emissions and, as a result, prevent climate change from worsening, few have actually taken the initiative to adopt sustainable habits. As a result, humanity is pressed for time in its quest to limit carbon emissions and prevent global catastrophes from occurring. In fact, a new report says humans have only three years to ward of climate change through eco-friendly initiatives. Fortunately, six leaders and scientists have developed a six-point plan for meeting the most urgent deadline in human history.
To meet the goals of the 2015 Paris Agreement within three years, scientists outlined six sectors that require focus: energy, finance, land, infrastructure, transport, and industry. The study was led by Christiana Figueres, convener of Mission 2020 and Executive Secretary for the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change between 2010 and 2016, and was published in the journal Nature. In the article, the team wrote that their high goals may be “idealistic at best, unrealistic at worst.” However, they hope the ambitious goals inspire the populace to innovate so they may be met.
One of the goals outlined is for 30 percent of the global power supply to be sourced from renewable energy by 2020. Considering 23.7 percent of electricity was obtained from renewables in 2015, this isn’t an outlandish prospect. Low carbon practices for other sectors were outlined, as well. For instance, deforestation needs to be reduced and the amount of clean, eco-friendly vehicles need to be increased.
The authors thought of everything, which is why they also laid out three steps to avoid procrastination. The first step is to base policies and action plans on science — not an administration’s personal opinion. Secondly, existing solutions need to be scaled up on a massive level. The third step is to remain optimistic. “There will always be those who hide their heads in the sand and ignore the global risks of climate change,” wrote the authors. “But there are many more of us committed to overcoming this inertia. Let us stay optimistic and act boldly together.”
As Inhabitat reports, politicians, business leaders, faith leaders, scientists and business leaders from all walks of life co-signed the Nature article to affirm the sense of urgency. Can humanity do it? Only time will tell.
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