The Economics Show
Martin Wolf talks to Adair Turner: Can the world decarbonise fast enough?
Mar 3, 2025
Adair Turner, chair of the Energy Transitions Commission and former head of the UK’s climate committee, dives into the urgent challenge of global decarbonization. He discusses the alarming rise in carbon emissions and the need for immediate action. Turner believes the EU and China can lead a renewable energy revolution, despite setbacks from political leaders like Donald Trump. The conversation also touches on the potential of geoengineering as a last resort and the complexities of implementing equitable climate solutions globally.
31:25
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Quick takeaways
- The rapid increase in atmospheric carbon dioxide highlights the urgent need for intensified global efforts to decarbonize and mitigate climate change.
- Technological advancements in clean energy provide a glimmer of hope for achieving a net-zero economy, although international cooperation remains a significant challenge.
Deep dives
The Escalating Threat of Climate Change
The current concentration of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere has significantly increased since 1946, rising from 312 parts per million to 427. This increase signifies a rapid acceleration of human emissions, particularly over the last few decades. The worsening climate has irreversibly altered the cooler conditions of the past, leading to urgent concerns about the future. Efforts must be intensified to decarbonize the global economy to avoid catastrophic consequences and to tackle the enormous challenges presented by climate change.
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