Good planets are hard to find: The need for climate action

Last month I attended a discussion on climate change hosted by Rockefeller Foundation. I had the opportunity to listen to some excellent presentations by very thoughtful scientists and actors.?

The presentation by Johan Rockstrom of the PIK - Potsdam Institute for Climate Impact Research stood out in particular. He talked about ‘Planetary Boundaries’ and ‘Tipping Points’ within the climate system. Rockstrom's insights highlighted the imminent danger we face and how perilously close we are to pushing our climate over the edge to the point of no return.?

What are Planetary Boundaries & Tipping Points?

The term "planetary boundary" refers to the limits or thresholds that keep our planet safe, which allows humanity to prosper. The concept of tipping points in Johan Rockstrom's research refers to the critical thresholds within these planetary boundaries, beyond which irreversible and potentially abrupt changes can occur.?

The 1.5°C Challenge

Many privately conceded but wouldn’t admit publicly that the target of limiting temperature rise to 1.5°C is almost impossible to achieve. I recommend watching Rockstrom's videos highlighting how terrifyingly close we are to some ‘tipping points’ and the need for concerted efforts to mitigate climate change effectively.?

The shorter version ????

Some Hope Amidst Challenges

I asked Johan, “This all sounds very gloomy. Is there anything positive?” Here are a few that he listed -:

• The science is becoming incredibly clear and precise, and it is understood that climate and the biosphere are very tightly coupled. The tipping points and interventions needed are also becoming very clear.
• Business leaders worldwide are increasingly committing their companies to net-zero and broader sustainability goals. The tide may be turning.
• The narrative is changing - It's no more about sustainability v/s development. Its more about sustainable development and equity
• There’s a rise in the availability of scalable, nature-based solutions that can effectively address the issues.
• The Global Health and Food communities are beginning to recognise the urgency and are starting to come on board

Paul Polman , the former CEO of Unilever, made a thought-provoking point. He said that

It is not about planetary boundaries but human boundaries. The planet will recover quickly once we are gone; what is in question is the fate of humanity.?

Implications and Inspiration

For those of you who love science fiction, there is a superb science fiction book by Kim Stanley Robinson called “The Ministry for the Future”.

The book opens a few years from now, during a historic heat wave in Uttar Pradesh, India, where Frank May, an American aid worker, is doing everything he can to save lives. But nothing seems to be working. As days pass without a drop in temperature or humidity, the electric grid eventually gives out, turning life into an inferno for everyone in the state. Desperate, many rushes to the nearest lake, hoping it will offer some relief, but its water is scorching, too. By the end of the heat wave, more than twenty million people are dead, with Frank barely surviving.

Bill Gates, who read the book, claimed it to be a scary but ultimately hopeful novel about climate change.?

Kim Stanley recently also gave a slightly hopeful talk.

In conclusion, the discussion highlighted the urgent need to respect and work within the planetary boundaries and tipping points. Good planets are hard to find. Our unique and precious house is on fire and we need all hands on deck to help out.?

Quoting Margaret Mead who said, "Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world; indeed, it's the only thing that ever has."