In 2025, we will see a fundamental transformation in the language of climate politics. We're going to hear a lot less about 'reducing emissions' from scientists and policymakers and a lot more about 'phasing out fossil fuels' or 'ending coal, oil, and methane gas.' This is a good thing. Although it is scientifically accurate, the phrase 'reducing emissions' is too easily used for greenwashing by the fossil-energy industry and its advocates. The expression 'ending coal, oil, and methane gas,' on the other hand, keeps the focus on the action that will do most to resolve the climate crisis. This discourse shift has been initiated by the latest report of the United Nations Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change. The world's climate scientists say that already existing fossil-energy infrastructure is projected to emit the total carbon budget for halting global heating at 2 degrees Celsius over preindustrial temperatures. This statement means two things. It means that the world cannot...
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