#ecology #systems

idea

An identity equation that identifies constraints around the scope of what needs to be done to lower $CO_2$ emissions, and notably reach the Paris accord.

$$ CO_2 = \frac{CO_2}{E} \times \frac{E}{Gdp} \times \frac{Gdp}{Pop} \times Pop $$

The identity goes that the amount of $CO_2$ emissions produced worldwide is EQUAL to the product of:

• Energy efficient: ($CO_2 / E$): Carbon dioxide over energy: how much carbon dioxide gets produced by a given amount of energy
• Production energy requirement: ($E/Gdp$): The amount of energy necessary to support a given amount of production
• Individual consumption: ($Gdp/Pop$): The products consumed by each individual on the planet
• Population: ($Pop$): Worldwide population.

This equality lays out the exact levers available to control $CO_2$ production. As this is an identity equality, there is no discussion around it. To reduce $CO_2$ production, the only levers are:

1. Make energy production more efficient in terms of production of carbon dioxyde
2. Make economic production more efficient in terms of energy requirements
3. Lower individual consumption ; that is: produce less goods and consume less services
4. Reduce population.

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