The IPCC (Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change) determined we must keep global warming below 1.5 degrees Centigrade to avoid some of the worst impacts of climate change. To do this our CO2 emissions must be “net zero” by 2050.
Arnie Epstein of our Research Team discussed what net zero means and why the target is net zero and not simply zero emissions. Why net zero entails removing CO2 from the atmosphere and why this is needed regardless of how successful we are in reducing worldwide emissions. The amount of CO2 removal required is covered along with the approaches and outlook for achieving it. Finally, we discussed the moral hazard represented by CO2 removal and ways to avoid becoming over reliant and not acting with the urgency needed to reduce CO2 emissions.
The video of this deep dialogue, including a lively discussion, is below. The slides from the presentation are here.