Over the last 30 years, since 1990, annual global carbon emissions have increased 60 %. The concentration of CO2 in the atmosphere is now so high that we are doomed to experience both 1,5 degree and later 2 degrees warmer climate, even if we are able to reduce global emissions back to the 1990 level.
It is too late to avoid plus 1,5 degrees. The concentration in the air is already there. But plus 2 degrees could still be avoided. That requires, however, extraordinary efforts, since emissions will need to drop, not to the 1990 level, but all the way down to zero within 20-30 years.
About Bjørn Brochmann
Bjørn S. Brochmann was chairman of the Norwegian affiliate of IAEE between 1994 – 1997. His energy related career includes positions within Statoil (now Equinor), the oil division of Norsk Hydro, Point Carbon and Thomson Reuters, all in all more than 30 years in the energy business.
About Stig Schjølset
Stig Schjølset is head of policy at ZERO, a Norwegian NGO working to speed up the green transition. He has previously been a special adviser on green growth to the Norwegian government. He has also extensive experience from international energy markets, and was heading up the carbon analysis team in Point Carbon Thomson Reuters for several years.