CIA Believes 450ppm Target Unrealistic

At an off-the-record briefing last week in Washington, DC, CIA analysts asserted that the conventional mitigation target of 450 ppm CO2e is unrealistic and unlikely to be met. Rather, 550 or even 650 ppm are more achievable goals, according to intelligence officials. Considering that many scientists and other observers regard 450 ppm as too high, with too many unacceptable risks, this sort of assessment gets to the heart of why emissions cuts alone will be insufficient to avert dangerous climate change.