‘Climate Philosophy After 1.5 Degrees C’

A range of practical and theoretical questions emerge once we begin to take seriously the possibility of far exceeding agreed-upon temperature targets. Some of these questions concern the policy idea of ‘overshoot.’ Should we, globally, aim to at some point return temperatures to below 1.5 degrees using carbon removal, even given the extensive land and energy use requirements of that technology? Or should we artificially use solar geoengineering to ‘meet’ Paris Climate targets. Is the notion of ‘overshoot’ a useful one to begin with? In the background of all these questions, it’s also worth it to keep asking: When, if at all, should we avoid surrendering to the inevitability of a world of 2, or 2.5, or 3 degrees C of warming? After all, arguably many who claim that such a world is inevitable assume the continuation of current political and economic arrangements, such as ongoing consumption and population growth and private investment driving (or constraining) the energy transition. 

These questions (and more) help to characterize the theme of this year’s ISEE Pacific APA call for contributions. ISEE will (as always) be applying for TWO Pacific APA sessions and we plan to have ONE of the sessions be themed ‘Climate Philosophy After 1.5 Degrees C.’ The other session will be open (unthemed).