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BELOW 2°C OF GLOBAL WARMING?
GET THE MATHS RIGHT
For over 20 years, a standard exchange rate has been used to compare emissions of different greenhouse gases to each other. This maths undervalues the warming effects of introducing new methane sources, whilst overvaluing the impact of established but
stable sources. The Oxford Martin Programme on Climate Pollutants has developed a more accurate way to reflect the temperature impacts in the calculations that assess emissions.
It shows that accounting for the potent but short-lived nature of methane is critically important. Even slight increases in methane emissions cause significant short- term warming. Reducing methane emissions fast enough would give a reduction in methane-induced warming, which could help slow warming in the short-term while CO2 emissions are still on their way towards net zero.
The energy demand for cooling is projected to triple by 2050.
The warmer the climate, the more we will use air conditioning. People in hot developing countries are seeking a better quality of life and people in developed countries need to combat the effect of more regular heatwaves caused by climate change. But the more we use air conditioning, the more we contribute to global warming, creating a vicious cycle. We aim to understand and shape that demand to provide more sustainable cooling and, therefore,
a better quality of life for all.
Dr Radhika Khosla
Lead Researcher on the Oxford Martin Programme on the Future of Cooling
Research Director of the Oxford India Centre for Sustainable Development at Somerville College
Senior Researcher, Smith School of Enterprise and the Environment
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