Recent Climate Pledges Offer Hope for Humanity – to Curb Global Warming

A new analysis shows that the world may be on track to halting global warming before it exceeds 2 degrees celsius — if the pledges made during the United Nations Climate Change Conference are implemented and followed. 

The author of the study considered both short-term and long-term commitments made by countries at the conference, and ultimately revealed a clearer picture of our climate future. 

“Growth in carbon dioxide emissions has slowed notably over the past decade, and emission are projected to plateau in coming years under current policies and commitments,” write co-authors Zeke Hausfather, climate scientist, and Frances C. Moore, assistant professor in the Department of Environmental Science and Policy at UC Davis, USA. 

One crucial reason for this is that coal accounts for a very large percentage of energy pollutants; yet, today, clean energy such as solar is cheaper and more accessible than ever before and is oftentimes able to replace coal and other fossil fuels. The study concludes that, so long as both the small and large, near and far net-zero pledges are fulfilled, we will be on track for a sustainable and livable planet.