From the burning of coal and other fossil fuels during the Industrial Revolution to recent shifts in climate patterns, humans have profoundly impacted our environment with over two trillion metric tons of carbon dioxide emissions clouding the atmosphere. This heat-retaining cocktail has already caused a surge in natural disasters like scorching summers and rising sea levels - but if we don't act now these consequences can only get worse.
In order to fight climate change, we must take decisive action and revolutionize the way energy is used. This includes increasing reliance on renewable sources of power rather than non-renewable ones, improving efficiency so as not create unnecessary emissions while still meeting human needs, conservation projects like halting deforestation that help preserve natural habitats and reducing HFCs which are major contributors to global warming. Unfortunately even these steps may not be enough; recent scientific studies point towards a need for more comprehensive strategies if humanity wants avert irreversible damage from Climate Change.
To protect our planet from the worst effects of climate change, scientists believe that global temperatures must not exceed 1.5-2 degrees Celsius (2.7-3.6 Fahrenheit). To make this possible, we have to embark on a dual approach: decreasing emissions and actively removing carbon dioxide from our atmosphere for storage.
To stave off the worst effects of climate change, we must drastically reduce carbon dioxide emissions and remove billions of metric tons from current levels by 2050. Though somewhat daunting a task, hope is in sight with solutions ranging from new technological advances to land management practices that can help us reach our goal on time.
Each carbon removal approach faces challenges and limitations. WRI’s series of working papers explores the possibilities and challenges of using carbon removal to combat climate change and recommends a priority set of U.S. federal policy actions to accelerate their development and deployment.
Trees are the guardians of our planet and play an essential role in preserving its balance. By growing, restoring, and managing forests we can use their natural process of photosynthesis to absorb carbon dioxide from the atmosphere – turning it into solid wood or soil - thus slowing down climate change!
Farms play a crucial role in combating climate change. Soils store carbon naturally, but intensive farming activities have caused the soil to run on an unsustainable deficit of this important element. However, because agricultural land is vastly abundant across America (900 million acres!), even minor boosts per acre could make a notable difference towards fighting global warming and improving air quality.
Photosynthesis has long been a trusted tool to fight climate change, but it's time for an upgrade. Enter BECCS: the sophisticated and complex technique that may hold the answer in combating our global battle against rising temperatures. As with any technology there are bumps along its road to success, yet many still have hope that this innovative approach can truly make a difference on our planet today.
