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Step 1: Reduce carbon dioxide to below 350 parts per million.

Deep and rapid reductions in carbon dioxide emissions must be the core of any plan to save the Arctic. Scientists warn that we must reduce the level of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere from its current level of approximately 390 parts per million (ppm) to at most 350 ppm to avoid catastrophic impacts from climate change and ocean acidification. [1] Ultimately reducing carbon dioxide below 325 ppm may be necessary to restore Arctic sea ice to its area of 25 years ago. [2]

Embracing energy efficiency.  The amount of energy we use, and therefore the amount of greenhouse pollution we produce, can be slashed dramatically through simple energy efficiency improvements in buildings, including improving insulation and upgrading appliances and fixtures, as well as minor lifestyle changes. The first step to solving the climate crisis is taking advantage of the abundant, low-hanging energy- efficiency fruit.

Investing in clean, renewable energy generation.  We must rapidly transition away from coal, oil and other fossil fuels to truly clean and renewable energy sources. This challenge is surmountable but will require ending massive and ubiquitous subsidies for dirty energy, investing in existing clean energy sources and technology development, and ultimately overcoming the political stranglehold that polluters hold on political systems around the world. While this is perhaps our greatest challenge, doing so is not only necessary to preserve the Arctic and the planet, but will create a safer, healthier and more equitable society for all of us.

Protecting forests and making other positive land-use changes.  About one-quarter of net global warming is due to deforestation. Protecting existing forests, reforesting areas as appropriate and making other positive land-use changes will not only slow the increase of greenhouse gases in the atmosphere but will provide large co-benefits for biodiversity.

Revolutionizing our transportation and food-production systems.  Real changes are needed to reduce the amount of transport needed in our daily lives, and to reduce the carbon intensity of necessary travel. Similarly, reducing the carbon footprint of our food production systems—through measures like reducing reliance on industrial agriculture and meat-intensive diets—are part of the overall solution. Such changes can greatly improve our overall quality of life and health while paying enormous dividends for the climate and planet. 

1. Hansen, J., M. Sato, P. Kharecha, D. Beerling, V. Masson-Delmotte, M. Pagani, M. Raymo, D. L. Royer, and J. C. Zachos. 2008. Target atmospheric CO2: Where should humanity aim? Open Atmospheric Science Journal 2:217-231.
2. See 1.

 

Polar bear photo © Jenny E. Ross/ www.jennyross.com