A Student Asks: Is it too late?
My answer.
A question from a young student:
To what extent, with the current global situation, can the world heal from the damage humans have done, and is it too late? How optimistic are you that we can bounce back to a semi-normal state?
My reply:
Humanity seems to go through waves of taking action to protect the environment and then ignoring it. We’re at the tail end of the 4th or 5th wave. These waves rise and peak over a few years and then decline for a few years.
The current decline won’t last too long because growing levels of extreme weather are affecting all sectors of the economy. That will force environmental action even if people avoid using the term climate change.
Also, the clean-energy transition is now well-established, bringing cheaper energy and cleaner air. For example, Pakistan has bought loads of solar panels because it’s the fastest and cheapest way to get electricity to homes and businesses. Same in Africa.
That said, we weren't moving as fast as we could towards net zero or “net nature”. And now we’re slowing down for a time before speeding up again in a few years. So I’m optimistic about a bounce-back
We are risking tipping points and will see 2C and more, but not 4C or 5C unless we’re very, very unlucky.
2C will be difficult and could be pretty bad, particularly in hot countries.
We’re going to have to be smart, creative, and compassionate to cope.
I hope this helps.
I should have added that 89% of the world’s population wants governments to take more action on climate change. And that 69% of the global population expresses a willingness to contribute 1% of their personal income to help, according to a peer-reviewed study published last year by the scientific journal Nature Climate Change.
I also should have linked to another global survey that I wrote about last year: You are not alone. Most people in 77 countries want stronger, faster climate action. Among the survey’s findings: 3 in 4 people want to quickly replace fossil fuels with clean energy.
There is only a small difference between American views on climate and the rest of the world’s. While Republican voters are less keen, most still support wind and solar energy.
I should have emphasized that few people realize that the vast majority of the world, including their own country, is very worried about climate change and wants action, even if it costs them money.
That’s a reason to remain cautiously optimistic.
Until next time. Be safe.
Stephen
P.S. Although it was a very cold January where I am, and -24C this morning, it was the hottest-ever January globally at 1.75C above the long-term average.
