Why 2degreesC?

Why the name?

We started working on climate change in 2002, before it was a mainstream issue. Then, the problem might have been summed up in a sentence: the global temperature is projected to rise by about two degrees. 2degreesC was born.

Why “2” degrees Celsius?

2°C is the critical threshold for dangerous climate change. An increase in global mean temperature of 2 degrees above pre-industrial levels will increase the likelihood of irreversible and potentially catastrophic climate change.

Scientists first began to recognize the risks from global warming increases of 2 degrees C in the 1980s. It gained traction in policy when the European Union adopted the target in 1996. Parties to the UNFCCC committed to an upper limit of 2 degrees C of warming in 2010.

However, many scientists and experts warn that 2 degrees C of warming is too much, and advocate instead an that climate warming be kept to a maximum of 1.5 degrees C.

Why the logo?

Our logo is symbolic of a fundamental challenge for the 21st century: navigating global development pathways that prevent the worst effects of global warming and prepare us to cope with the rest.