Scientific Optimism for Cutting Carbon Emissions in Half by 2030 in IPCC Report
Scientists are generally not known for their bubbly optimism. In last April’s ground-breaking IPCC (Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change) report, however, there is general agreement amongst this group that cutting the planet’s carbon emissions in half by 2030 is within our grasp if only we are willing to, you know, grasp it. The report lists 40 various carbon-cutting ways that can get us there, but it specifically focuses on 5 things that can practically do the job by themselves: (1) full commitment to solar, (2) full commitment to wind, (3) greater energy efficiency in buildings and appliances, (4) stopping deforestation, and (5) cutting methane emissions. None of these things requires new technology and almost all of them will save us more money than if we don’t do them.
