Climate Change & Ecological Collapse
Climate change poses serious risks to billions through extreme weather, sea level rise, agricultural disruption, and ecosystem collapse. While well-studied, implementation of solutions remains critically underfunded.
Scale of the Problem
1.5C of warming could displace 143 million people by 2050; current commitments put us on track for 2.7C.
The IPCC AR6 projects severe impacts on food systems, water availability, migration, and biodiversity at 2 degrees C, and catastrophic impacts at 4 degrees C or more. Deaths from heat, drought, and indirect effects could reach hundreds of millions this century under worst-case trajectories. Economic damages are estimated in tens of trillions of dollars cumulatively.
Why This Is Pressing
Global mean temperature has exceeded 1.5 degrees C above pre-industrial levels in some recent years, and several tipping points (Amazon dieback, ice-sheet collapse, weakening of the Atlantic Meridional Overturning Circulation) appear closer than earlier models suggested. Mainstream decarbonization has momentum, but high-emissions paths remain plausible and the tail risk of 3 to 4 degrees C warming by 2100 is not ruled out. Delays in policy and deployment now have locked-in costs that accumulate for decades.
Why It's Neglected
Climate is well-funded globally, with 1 to 2 trillion dollars per year in clean-energy investment, so it is not neglected overall. But specific niches remain underfunded, including extreme-tail scenario research, advanced nuclear fission, next-generation geothermal, solar radiation management research, and clean-energy advocacy in developing countries.
Can It Be Solved?
Solar, wind, and batteries are now cheaper than fossil fuels in most regions. Electrification of transport and heating is proven. Policy wins including the US Inflation Reduction Act and the EU Emissions Trading System demonstrate tractability. Hard sectors such as aviation, cement, and steel still need technical breakthroughs, and clean-energy advocacy is among the most cost-effective climate interventions.
Research & Solutions
Climate Tipping Points and the Limits of Incrementalism
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What You Can Do
What this problem still needs
Work in clean-energy policy, advanced nuclear, next-generation geothermal (for example Fervo Energy), or carbon removal. Advocacy at the Clean Air Task Force is consistently rated among the most cost-effective climate options. Research at the Founders Pledge Climate Change Fund or Breakthrough Energy. Donate to Clean Air Task Force or Founders Pledge Climate Change Fund.
Priority Score
19
Breakdown
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