Final answer:
The future effect of global carbon emissions, if unabated, will lead to severe changes in climate and could be catastrophic for many species. Climate models vary in projection based on emission levels, but all indicate the critical need to limit global temperature rise. The single most important action to control this is reducing emissions from the combustion of fossil fuels, especially coal.
Step-by-step explanation:
A claim predicting the future effect of global carbon emissions on Earth’s systems can be supported by a plethora of evidence from data and climate models. The continued rise in carbon emissions is projected to lead to increasingly drastic climate change, evidenced by elevated global surface temperatures, more extreme weather events, and altered ecosystems, which can be catastrophic for many species. Climate models suggest that unless emissions are curtailed, the global surface temperature could increase by a range of several degrees Celsius, with potential severe consequences if temperatures rise beyond the limits recommended by most climate experts.
The main driver for variations in model projections is the level of greenhouse gases emitted, with CO₂ being the single most important greenhouse gas. Climate models have indicated that avoiding a temperature increase of more than 1.5°C to 2°C is critical to prevent the most catastrophic effects of global warming. The burning of fossil fuels, particularly coal, oil, and natural gas, is the predominant source of CO₂ emissions, with the burning of coal being the leading activity causing these emissions.
Therefore, it is imperative that global actions focus on the rapid reduction of fossil fuel combustion through the transition to renewable energy and increased energy efficiency measures to mitigate the impending impacts of climate change.