LastWegKurve

LastWegKurve, also known as the "Last Way Curve," is a term used in the context of climate change and environmental science to describe the point at which global warming reaches a level that cannot be reversed without catastrophic consequences. The term was popularized by the German environmental activist and author Hans-Jürgen Tews in his 2009 book "Der Letzte Weg – Wie wir den Klimawandel überleben" ("The Last Way – How We Survive Climate Change").

The LastWegKurve is based on the concept of tipping points in the Earth's climate system, beyond which feedback loops could lead to runaway global warming. These tipping points include the collapse of major ice sheets, the release of large amounts of methane from thawing permafrost, and the dieback of the Amazon rainforest. Once these tipping points are crossed, the Earth's climate could become increasingly unstable, leading to severe and irreversible impacts on ecosystems, societies, and human civilization.

The LastWegKurve is not a specific temperature threshold but rather a critical point beyond which the Earth's climate system may enter a new, unpredictable state. It is a warning that urgent and drastic action is needed to mitigate climate change and avoid crossing this threshold. The Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) has also recognized the importance of avoiding tipping points in its reports, highlighting the need for immediate and ambitious climate action.

The LastWegKurve serves as a call to action for policymakers, businesses, and individuals to take immediate and significant steps to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and transition to a low-carbon economy. It is a reminder that the window for effective climate action is closing, and that the consequences of inaction could be catastrophic.