Background briefings

 

After a year of record breaking climate extremes, collective action on mitigation and adaptation is crucial. Tackling the challenges of climate change is a defining feature of this and future decades, meaning action to translate the latest science into meaningful policy is needed. Our Background briefings provide summaries of the latest scientific evidence on climate change mitigation and adaptation, as well as highlighting the implications for policymakers and others seeking to address these challenges.   

Read our background briefings

 

Background briefings

Phasing out 'unabated fossil fuels': defining 'abatement'

Without a formally agreed definition of what is meant by 'abatement', there is a risk that carbon reduction goals will be compromised. This briefing proposes a potential definition.

Limiting temperature increase to 1.5°C above pre-industrial

Assessments of global greenhouse gas emissions show that if current levels continue, we are at high risk of exceeding the 1.5°C level. This briefing presents the latest evidence on the size of the remaining carbon budget.

Pledges and policies: are we on track to meet climate goals?

Are the carbon reduction targets and policies from countries around the world sufficient to meet our global climate change goals? This briefing presents the latest assessment of global efforts to reduce greenhouse gas emissions.

Loss and Damage Fund: the need for climate impact metrics

The Loss and Damage Fund is intended to assist nations that are most vulnerable to the effects of climate change. This briefing explores the role for climate science in operationalising the Fund and warns that eligibility criteria must be practical.

Carbon Dioxide Removal (CDR)

Carbon Dioxide Removal (CDR) will be needed to meet our climate change goals, but how advanced are CDR methods and what wider environmental and social impacts might they have?

[Image by Thomas Angus, Imperial College London]