1.5 vs 2.0 °C, carbon budget, metrics

This lecture discusses the impact of limiting global warming to 1.5°C versus 2.0°C, exploring the carbon budget, climate metrics, and the concept of tipping elements. It covers the remaining carbon budget, the importance of reducing emissions, and the implications of the Paris Agreement. The instructor explains the concept of tipping elements in the Earth system and the potential irreversible changes associated with exceeding critical thresholds. Additionally, the lecture delves into the Global Warming Potential (GWP) of different greenhouse gases, the Kyoto Protocol's approach to emissions reduction, and the challenges in approximating CO2-equivalents. The audience gains insights into the urgency of emission reductions, the role of different gases in global warming, and the metrics used to quantify climate change impacts.