Two U.S. Emissions-Reduction Pathways

Figure 34.27

This figure appears in chapter 34 of the Climate Change Impacts in the United States: The Third National Climate Assessment report.

http://nca2014.globalchange.gov/report/appendices/faqs/graphics/two-us-emissions-reduction-pathways

This graph shows how earlier action to reduce U.S. emissions would be less difficult than delayed action. Two pathways show how a cumulative carbon emissions budget of 265 gigatons of CO2 could be maintained by 2050. By initiating reduced emissions efforts in 2010 (blue line), a 4% per year reduction would have been required; waiting until 2020 to reduce emissions (red line) doubles the rate at which emissions must be reduced. (Figure source: Luers et al. 200724)

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This figure was created on January 10, 2013.

This figure was derived from How to Avoid Dangerous Climate Change: A Target for U.S. Emissions Reductions .

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