The appropriate level of response to climate change is one of the most vexing issues we face. Changing complicated systems such as energy and transport quickly is a challenge, and the challenges from acting too slowly are greater again. Carbon budgets are a widely used way of approaching this issue. In principle the remaining quantity of carbon dioxide that humans can emit into the atmosphere for a given level of climate change can be calculated. This can then form the basis for setting targets to reduce emissions. In this talk, the issues around calculating the global remaining carbon budget, and apportioning this to nations and regions such as Greater Manchester, will be presented. How these issues were navigated to produce a carbon budget for Greater Manchester, and associated targets for reducing its carbon dioxide emissions, will then be discussed.

Dr Chris Jones is the Knowledge Exchange Fellow for the Tyndall Centre for Climate Change Research at the University of Manchester. He works with a wide range of organizations – including government, industry, communities and local authorities – to help meet their research needs through the world-leading expertise of the Tyndall Centre. Recent projects have included decarbonising live music, the future of shipping in a low carbon world, and a carbon assessment tool for local authorities. Chris has 15 years of experience researching the environmental impacts of energy systems and is on the advisory board for the Carbon Coop and the Manchester Zero Carbon Advisory Group.

Sign up for the meeting here: https://www.meetup.com/manchester-statistical-society-meetup-group/events/298651601/