Emissions Pricing to Stablize Global Climate
Name
MITJPSPGC_Rpt211.pdf
Description
Main article
Size
1.1 MB
Format
Adobe PDF
Checksum (MD5)
82ad29bbaa78ea9014ec4127ac4f0bad
Author(s)
Bosetti, V.
Paltsev, S.
Reilly, J.
Carraro, C.
Date Issued
March 2012
Publisher
MIT Joint Program on the Science and Policy of Global Change
Citation
Report no. 211
Series/Report no.
Joint Program Report Series;211
Abstract
In the absence of significant greenhouse gas (GHG) mitigation, many analysts project that
atmospheric concentrations of species identified for control in the Kyoto protocol could exceed 1000
ppm (carbon-dioxide-equivalent) by 2100 from the current levels of about 435 ppm. This could lead
to global average temperature increases of between 2.5° and 6° C by the end of the century. There
are risks of even greater warming given that underlying uncertainties in emissions projections and
climate response are substantial. Stabilization of GHG concentrations that would have a reasonable
chance of meeting temperature targets identified in international negotiations would require
significant reductions in GHG emissions below “business-as-usual” levels, and indeed from present
emissions levels. Nearly universal participation of countries is required, and the needed investments
in efficiency and alternative energy sources would entail significant costs. Resolving how these
additional costs might be shared among countries is critical to facilitating a wide participation of
large-emitting countries in a climate stabilization policy. The 2°C target is very ambitious given
current atmospheric concentrations and inertia in the energy and climate system. The Copenhagen
pledges for 2020 still keep the 2°C target within a reach, but very aggressive actions would be
needed immediately after that.
Description
http://globalchange.mit.edu/research/publications/2241
Terms of Use
An error occurred on the license name.
Persistent DSpace Link
