Question

The current carbon emissions are 9.8 gigatons, or 9.8 billion tons. Complete all three scenarios to find out what happens to the global temperature if these emissions stay the same, decrease, or increase over the next century. Follow the instructions in the Data section of this report.

Answer 1

Three scenarios indicate varying global temperature increases by 2100, depending on the level of greenhouse gas emissions, ranging from a 2°C rise with aggressive reduction to a 3.4°C rise if current rates maintain.

Step-by-step explanation:

The subject of this question is the potential impact of current and future carbon emissions on global temperature by the end of the century. The analysis is framed by scenarios of maintaining, reducing, or increasing emissions. If current levels of fossil fuel use are maintained, the accumulated CO2 will rise by 339 ppmv, leading to a 3.4°C temperature increase. An aggressive reduction by 2050 would limit the temperature increase to 2°C. The projections are based on studies and computer models that predict significant climatic changes, with potentially catastrophic effects on biodiversity and human civilization.

Scenarios and Temperature Projections

• If emissions stay at current levels, we expect a 3.4°C increase by 2100.
• A super-aggressive reduction could limit the increase to around 2°C.
• High emissions scenarios project changes of up to 11.5°F.

These scenarios highlight the urgency for a global response to manage emissions and mitigate climate change.