Preventing the Worst

TED: Climate change is happening. Here's how we adapt.

Source: ted.com

Upon first watching Alice Bows-Larkin's TED talk I walked away with three primary thoughts.

1. A 4°C change in the atmosphere is scary. With infrastructure not being able to handle the new strain, corn and wheat yields down 40%, rice yields down 30%, and the pure discomfort of effectively adding 10°C to the hottest days, Hollywood has no excuse for poor source material in their disaster films.
2. "Wow, I haven't heard anyone say that we can actually keep temperature change below 2°C globally in long time." Alice Bows-Larkin's cure was for the wealthiest citizens and nations (e.g. anyone able to read this blog) should reduce their CO₂ emission by 10% per year. A task that seems challenging but sustainable.
3. The cynical idea that politicians and businesses will never allow the pause on economic growth for "planned austerity".

The amount each country has contributed to climate change
based on their CO₂, methane, nitrous oxide, and
aerosol emissions per billion people.
Source: Mathews, et al., 2014

Climate-Demographic Vulnerability Index based on predicted
climate variability and population growth. The higher numbers
translate to higher vulnerability. Source: Samson, et al.,2011

The paper Alice Bows-Larkins collaborated on and quoted also mentioned an approach forward which I think is promising, "Mitigate for 2°C but Adapt for 4°C". This would involve policies to attempt to curb CO₂ emissions and keep global temperature change below 2°C while preparing infrastructure for 4°C. I believe that this global goal of 2°C temperature change, historically used when regulating emissions, will prevent delays in political system caused by debating new standards. The preparation aspect will allow vulnerable developing nations, who's contribution climate change is minimal, to get support from wealthier nations. 

The paper mentions that assigning accountability may strain international relations. However, for the sake of human rights, I believe that any legal foothold given to the most vulnerable citizens is worthwhile. Another concern the paper mentioned is the possibility of preparations negating any reduction in emissions. I agree, this cannot be allowed to happen. However, this warning calls for innovation not despair.

I am on the 'aim for 2°C and prepare for 4°C' bandwagon. Therefore, I will attempt to reduce my carbon footprint by 10% while posting the adaptions that will help prepare for the worst.