In this episode, recorded in Glasgow, I speak to Dr Paul Behrens from Leiden University about how, regardless of what choices we make, humanity is now committed to passing through the eye of the metaphorical needle.
What we can expect on the other side may well be in our gift to decide but with each strike of the clock, the forecasts for humanity get bleaker.
In his new book, ‘The Best of Times, The Worst of Times’, Paul presents realistic outcomes based on the best case and worst-case scenarios. As he says, the worst case does not necessarily mean a 4ºC world. Tragedy can come long before this and in many parts of the world, it already has. To illustrate this point further, I have put an excerpt of Sir David King speaking about why we must take climate repair seriously, at the end of this podcast.
I am planning to catch up again with Paul in the near future to record a population special, based on his research that is also profiled in the book. These are important perspectives worth grasping in an ever more complex and treacherous world.
Thanks for listening to this COP notes mini-series. In the next episode, I will be speaking to Dr Saleemul Huq as we look forward from the wreckage of COP26.
I will also be publishing my interview with Scottish Climate Assembly Secretariat, Susie Townend. Susie has overseen the creation of the Climate Assembly report to the Scottish parliament that is currently in review. This is an exciting insight into how citizens, experts and policymakers could shape a fairer, more equitable, landscape for change.
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