This infographic, based on IPCC data, depicts the likely consequences of various emissions pathways ranging from a low-carbon future to a fossil fuel-intensive one.


Recent reports from the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) revealed that the impacts of climate change are already “widespread and consequential.” Yet the effects we may see in the future still largely depend on the actions countries take to reduce their emissions today. Here, WRI provides four possible global emissions outcomes—and its potential implications on communities, the economy, and the environment.

This infographic, based on IPCC data, depicts the likely consequences of various emissions pathways ranging from a low-carbon future to a fossil fuel-intensive one. Alongside each pathway, known as a “Representation Concentration Pathway,” we show what the future might hold in terms of climate impacts—ranging from temperature increases to precipitation changes to ecosystem degradation.


Infographic Slides

Full infographic (.png file)

Summary

Low Emissions Pathway

Medium Emissions Pathway

High Emissions Pathway

Highest Emissions Scenario

 

Download full infographic

 

Choose Your Future: 4 Emissions Pathways
Infographic – Low Emissions Pathway
Infographic – Medium Emissions Pathway
Infographic – High Emissions Pathway
Infographic – High Emissions Scenario
Infographic footer