Every day we are confronted with a new report on global warming and the effects we need to try to prevent. But despite the differences of opinion on whether there is still time to act or not, people need to realize that it is much more important to still try and do something, than just give in to the idea that it is too late anyway.

 

This week, McKinsey & Company, supported by several companies and global organizations, released a study which gives hope it is not too late to act, if we do it NOW. We’ve heard so much about what we should do, and we’ve been flooded with so many target levels for emission reductions that we hardly ever know what is feasible anymore.

 

This is where the study comes in. Among its findings: the potential exists to reduce greenhouse gas emissions just by enough to stay on track until 2030 to contain global warming below 2 degrees Celsius; the costs and investments are manageable at a global level; delays in action of 10 years could mean missing the 2 degrees Celsius objective.

 

The findings suggest that although we have a difficult task ahead, it is not impossible to complete, but that of course would also require significant funds. Full report available here.

 

WWF, who supported the study, said that if all technology options listed in it would be put into practice, we could be looking at a 40 percent reduction of greenhouse gas emissions by 2030 compared to the 1990 levels.

 

In another study released this week by NOAA, researchers warned that carbon emissions will cause long-term effects and climate change, which will affect generations to come for the next 1,000 years.