Project Drawdown defines the moment of Drawdown as “the future point in time when levels of greenhouse gases in the atmosphere stop climbing and start to steadily decline. This is the point when we begin the process of stopping further climate change and averting potentially catastrophic warming. It is a critical turning point for life on Earth—one we must reach as quickly, safely, and equitably as possible.”
The original project and book, published in 2017, presents descriptions and details about the 100 solutions already available to get to Drawdown by 2050 using existing technology.
The Drawdown Review, presents updates on these actions in three categories: 1) Reduce Sources; 2) Support Sinks; and 3) Improve Society. It even presents an ambitious Scenario 2 showing that we can get there by 2040.
This review will leave you with renewed hope that there is a viable way out of our predicament. Here are 10 Key Insights from the introduction to whet your appetite.
- We can reach Drawdown by mid-century if we scale the climate solutions already in hand.
- Climate solutions are interconnected as a system, and we need all of them.
- Beyond addressing greenhouse gases, climate solutions can have “co-benefits” that contribute to a better, more equitable world.
- The financial case for climate solutions is crystal clear, as savings significantly outweigh costs.
- The majority of climate solutions reduce or replace the use of fossil fuels. We must accelerate these solutions, while actively stopping the use of coal, oil, and gas.
- We cannot reach Drawdown without simultaneously reducing emissions toward zero and supporting nature’s carbon sinks.
- Some of the most powerful climate solutions receive comparably little attention, reminding us to widen our lens.
- Accelerators are critical to move solutions forward at the scale, speed, and scope required.
- Footholds of agency exist at every level, for all individuals and institutions to participate in advancing climate solutions.
- Immense commitment, collaboration, and ingenuity will be necessary to depart the perilous path we are on and realize the path that’s possible. But the mission is clear: make possibility reality.
The current administration of the US has pulled away from international cooperation. Right now, when the world’s people need to be working together to stem the tide of Covid-19 Trump’s rhetoric and actions continue to be “America First”. If the United States survives the current administration, I hope the world will accept a national apology and a willingness to cooperate for the sake of life on this planet.
PAYING THE TRUE “COST” OF EACH AND EVERY PRODUCT WE BUY, MEANING ADDING THE ALL IMPORTANT CARBON COST INOT THE COST OF THAT PRODUCT IS THE FIRST STEP. WITH THAT MONEY IN HAND, UNDERSTANDING GOVERNMENTS CAN THEN BEGIN TO FINANCE THOSE SOLUTIONS, BIG AND SMALL, JUST LIKE DRAWDOWN HIGHLIGHTS, WITH CLIMATE SUBSIDIES. CASH, FREE AND CLEAR TO THE CHANGE THE PLANET ONE PERSON, ONCE HOUSEHOLD, ONE COMPANY AT A TIME.