Climate Realism

Climate Realism adopts a realistic and realist approach to addressing the economic, national security, and humanitarian effects of a warming climate, offering actionable policy recommendations across three critical components of U.S. climate strategy.

Scientists estimate that global temperatures will rise 3°C or more above pre-industrial levels by the end of this century. The project on climate realism will assess how the United States should prepare for and navigate the humanitarian disasters, global migration, conflicts over resources, shifting trade routes, and increased strain on global infrastructure that will follow this level of warming.  

The project will also explore the ways the United States can compete economically in growing global markets for clean energy and climate technologies. Leadership in this sector is essential to protect U.S. economic and geopolitical interests, but without a strong policy focus, the United States risks continuing to lag behind China and other clean energy leaders.  Finally, the project addresses what the United States should do to avert the worst effects of global climate change. Grounded in the understanding that countries will make decisions based on their interests, the project will offer recommendations on how the United States can catalyze emissions reductions overseas. It will also explore the potential benefits and risks of geoengineering technologies. 

The project on climate realism will utilize a range of discussions, public events, digital interactive resources, and papers from leading experts explore these issues and provide concrete policy recommendations.  

This project is made possible by the generous support of the ClimateWorks Foundation.