The 3 Percent Solution

One of my fantastic professors at Tufts University, Bill Moomaw, recently published an article (Tufts Magazine, Winter 2008) entitled “The 3% Solution” about how our country can achieve an 80% reduction in CO2 emissions by approximately the year 2050. If we reduce carbon emissions by 3% each year, we will realize the “50 percent mark in 23 years and the 75 percent mark in 47 years.” At this rate, in 53 years we will attain the 80 percent reduction needed to stabilize atmospheric carbon at 450 parts per million (ppm) and avoid irreversible melting of the Greenland and Antarctic ice sheets. Current atmospheric carbon is 383 ppm.

The U.S. must lead the way in carbon reduction. Once China, India and other developing nations have grown their economies enough to meet their extremely poor citizens’ basic needs for food, shelter, sanitation, clean drinking water, education and healthcare; then they can join us in prioritizing climate stabilization.