Urgent need to begin reductions in carbon dioxide emissions

 The authors of this important article conclude that delays of more than two or three decades would preclude achieving a target of not exceeding a CO₂ doubling from pre-industrial (about 550 ppm). Most climate scientists agree that the best current science indicates that the consequences of exceeding 550 ppm will be dangerous interference with the sustainability of human societies. The results suggest to the authors that a practical transition path to a stabilization target in range of 550 ppm CO₂ can allow, at most, one or two decades of delay.

Source: Mignone, B.K., R.H. Socolow, J.L. Sarmiento, and M. Oppenheimer. 2008. Atmospheric stabilization and the timing of carbon mitigation. Climatic Change 88:3-4:251-265. DOI 10.1007/s10584-007-9391-8.