Civilisation Quote by Hans Joachim Schellnhuber
“What is the difference between a 2°C world and a 4°C world? Human civilisation!”
About This Quote
Source Speech: Climate change briefing, 2021
A 2°C temperature rise is manageable, but 4°C threatens civilization’s stability.
In simple terms: Higher warming dramatically worsens climate impacts.
Limit warming to protect societies.
Themes
Mood
Type
When to use this quote
- energy planning
- urban design
- public health
Key Concepts
Questions to Reflect On
- What policies can keep warming below 2°C?
- How can societies adapt if warming exceeds targets?
Economic and social systems may collapse under extreme warming.