Since the start of the industrial age we have increased greenhouse gases (GHG) in the atmosphere from 280 ppm to 392 ppm CO2 equivalent. There is clear evidence that this has caused global warming with an associated increase of 0.7°C global average temperatures over this time with another 0.6°C locked in due to the current level of emissions in the atmosphere and the time lag before the temperature rises.
Unfortunately we are continuing to produce CO2 emissions and therefore turning up the thermostat and this will trigger positive feedbacks which will make the situation even worse. Almost certainly we will have a 2°C global average temperature rise by 2030. This is the maximum the planet can cope with. Further rises will be disastrous. We need to act before the positive feedbacks lock us into to rises above 2°C.
A growing number of experts and organisations are calling for CO2 emissions to peak by 2015, to reduce 40% by 2020 and to 80% by 2050. This requires a huge shift in our thinking and actions.
