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Bridging the Gap: Sustainability
Why Do Carbon Credits Exist?
Because of the hefty global goal of achieving net zero emissions by 2050, as laid out in the Paris Agreement of 2015. The aim is to limit global warming to below 2°C, ideally 1.5°C. The IPCC backs this target, stating it's crucial to hit net zero by 2050 to prevent severe climate impacts. Now, it’s a global target adopted by countries, cities, and businesses.
A Simple Analogy
Imagine the atmosphere as a giant bathtub. We keep adding CO2 (from burning fossil fuels, etc.), and it's overflowing, causing climate change. To fix this, we need to do two things:
1 Turn down the tap: Reduce our emissions (electrify transportation, transition to renewable energy sources, protect nature, clean up industry, etc.).
2 Drain the tub: Remove existing CO2 from the atmosphere (carbon capture and storage).
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‘It’s big. It’s ugly. It’s thought-provoking." One ton of carbon dioxide might be difficult to see, but a 32-foot-tall balloon helps give carbon emissions size and shape. by Scott Kingsley for Brown University, 2013