Mitigating climate change drivers and associated risks of surpassing lower emission targets

Robert Fofrich, Ph.D.
IDRE and UC President’s Postdoctoral Fellow
Institute of the Environment and Sustainability
University of California Los Angeles

Abstract: Lower climate change mitigation pathways require large and swift reductions in anthropogenic CO2 emissions worldwide, a substantial portion arising from fossil energy sources utilized in electricity generation. Thus, stabilizing global mean temperatures at or below 2 degrees necessitates retiring fossil-burning infrastructure well before their operational lifespans have elapsed, resulting in stranded assets worldwide. However, sizable investments in fossil energy infrastructure have continued to rise globally, posing a threat to international climate change mitigation, food security, and financial objectives. Thus, we will discuss challenges associated with attaining lower climate warming targets and the potential repercussions for global agriculture and human well-being if these targets are exceeded.