So far, international climate targets have been restricted
to limiting the increase in temperature. But if we are to stop the rising sea levels,
ocean acidification and the loss of production from agriculture, CO2 emissions will have to fall
even more sharply. This is demonstrated by a study published in «Nature» that has been
carried out at the University of Bern.
The ultimate objective of international climate policy is to
prevent dangerous anthropogenic interference with the climate system. To do this, greenhouse
gases are to be stabilised at a level that is acceptable for humans and for the environment. This
climate goal is commonly expressed as an increase in the global mean temperature by a maximum of two
degrees since pre-industrial times. This general direction is recognised by the majority of the
world’s governments.