Coping with Climate Change by Learning from the Commons

Abstract

"Global warming is unequivocal and is largely caused by human action. Substantial disruption to coupled human and natural systems is underway, producing serious threats to people and ecosystems around the globe. There is wide agreement that if we move beyond a guardrail of about 3.6° F (2° C) of global average warming, we enter a zone of 'dangerous interference' with the climate. Yet so far not a single nation has acted successfully to slow growth in its greenhouse gas emissions, nor is there a strong global agreement to do so in the future. The further we move past the guardrail, the greater the risks to ourselves, future generations, and the planet itself."