The ticking CO₂ clock: Why we are running out of time
Today we would like to take up a topic that should not be underestimated: the CO₂ clock ofthe Mercator Research Institute on Global Commons and Climate Change (MCC) in Berlin. Itshows in an alarming way how little time we have left to limit global warming to a controllable level. Anyone who deals with climate change and its consequences will quicklyrealize that every moment counts.
What does the CO₂ clock show?
On the left of the MCC website, a digital CO₂ clock is displayed that counts down in real time. These numbers show how quickly time passes and how quickly the budget is shrinking.
The CO₂ clock visualizes how much carbon dioxide (CO₂) we can still emit worldwide in order to limit global warming to a maximum of 1.5°C or 2°C. It is based on scientific datafrom the IPCC (Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change), which regularly publishescomprehensive climate reports. These reports represent the current state of research and serveas the basis for global climate protection measures.
Scientific basis: What is behind the CO₂ clock?
The calculations are based on the latest scientific findings from the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC). The IPCC provides the world's most recognized data on climateresearch. According to its latest assessment report (AR6), the global CO₂ budget for the 1.5-degree target was still 400 gigatons (Gt) of CO₂ at the beginning of 2020. With a constantemission rate of 42.2 Gt per year, this budget would be used up in less than six years. There isaround 1150 Gt CO₂ a little more time worldwide to achieve the two-degree target - around23 years.
Why is this important?
The CO₂ clock shows us that we are in a critical window of opportunity for climateprotection. Ongoing emissions from fossil fuels, industrial processes and changes in land useare driving global warming further.
Many people underestimate the direct connection between our cumulative emissions and therise in temperature. However, the principle is relatively simple: the more CO₂ we release intothe atmosphere, the higher the temperature rises. The problem is that once emitted, CO₂ remains in the atmosphere for centuries and thus has a long-term effect.
Why is the CO₂ budget crucial?
The CO₂ clock is based on an almost linear relationship between cumulative emissions andtemperature rise. This means that the more CO₂ we emit, the higher the temperature rises. However, the full effect of emissions is delayed, so current measures only have an impact on the climate system with a time delay. This shows how crucial immediate climate protectionstrategies are.
What can we do?
The CO₂ clock makes it clear that we must act urgently. Politics, business and society must work together to develop solutions to drastically reduce emissions. This includes theexpansion of renewable energies, sustainable mobility, energy-efficient buildings and climate-friendly industries. Everyone can also contribute at an individual level, for example byreducing their energy consumption, consuming more consciously or using climate-friendlyalternatives.
Conclusion: Act before it's too late
The ticking carbon clock highlights how quickly our remaining carbon budget is dwindling. Itis urgent that policymakers, businesses and society as a whole act now to meet climate targetsand avert catastrophic consequences. We are under time pressure - only a few years remain toprevent the worst impacts of climate change. Every moment counts - it is up to us to actimmediately.
Source: MCC Berlin, "Remaining CO₂ budget" (link to original page)