Climate change could be kept in check if a phaseout of all fossil fuel infrastructure were to begin immediately, according to research. It shows that meeting the internationally agreed aspiration of keeping global warming to less than 1.5C above pre-industrial levels is still possible. The scientists say it is therefore the choices being made by global society, not physics, which is the obstacle to meeting the goal. The study found that if all fossil fuel infrastructure – power plants, factories, vehicles, ships and planes – from now on are replaced by zero-carbon alternatives at the end of their useful lives, there is a 64% chance of staying under 1.5C.
Guardian 15th Jan 2019 read more »
A world without cars, planes, ships and factories powered by fossil fuels would have to become a reality in the next 40 years to have a realistic hope of keeping global warming below safe levels, scientists claim. Researchers used climate simulations to predict the fate of the planet under different fossil fuel scenarios. They found there was a 64% chance of pegging global warming below the critical threshold of 1.5C above pre-industrial levels – but only if a massive programme to rid the world of fossil fuels started now.
Energy Voice 16th Jan 2019 read more »
