A call for action

Recently scientists, policy-makers, climate experts and civil society organisations have gathered at the Tällberg Forum, in Sweden to discuss how on Earth we can all live together.

Climate Change: A call for action

Cutting edge research was presented at the Tällberg Forum 2008 and discussed by leading scientists from Stockholm Environment Institute, NASA and several other institutions. Their conclusions should now inform politicians in their decision-making.

Recent observations, new scientific results and improved understanding of feedback loops and critical thresholds show that the climate situation is more serious than previously thought. In particular, it is now clear that we run a significant risk of passing catastrophic tipping points, such as the total disappearance of polar ice, unless we reduce atmospheric concentrations of carbon dioxide to no more than 350 parts per million (ppm) as quickly as possible.

The depth and speed of emission cuts depends on the level of risk politicians are willing to take with the climate. Discussions in Tällberg suggest that to achieve 350 ppm it will be necessary for global emissions of greenhouse gases to:

peak within 5 years; and
decrease by 100% by 2050.

It is important to note that even these seemingly drastic targets are not an application of the precautionary principle - according to IPCC figures there is still significant risk of extreme climate change.

Following the discussion at Tällberg, the conclusion of the undersigned is that to reach these targets GHG emissions in the EU will need to decrease immediately and continue decreasing at a steady pace.

For the EU this is likely to mean a reduction of least 60% greenhouse gases by 2030 when compared to 1990 levels.

The current climate targets of the EU do not deliver a world of 350 ppm. The targets currently proposed are risky and the stakes high. We hope Members of the Environment Committee of the European Parliament will by 2 July 2008 take the opportunity to propose amendments to the review of the Emission Trading System and the Effort Sharing Directives that are consistent with current science.

Bo Ekman
Tällberg Foundation

Johan Rockström,
Stockholm Environment Institute