How to save the world, in fifteen easy steps

Seven, 15 and 50: these are the critical numbers that could save the world from global warning, a study of measures needed to stop climate change from spinning out of control concludes.

Seven, 15 and 50: these are the critical numbers that could save the world from global warning, a study of measures needed to stop climate change from spinning out of control concludes.

Seven billion tons of carbon dioxide have to be stopped from polluting the atmosphere each year with the help of 15 critical technologies, over 50 years.

Stephen Pacala and Robert Socolow of Princeton University in New Jersey publish this manifesto today for saving the world, producing a riposte to those who suggest that nothing significant can be done to mitigate the effects of climate change until a new form of clean energy is invented. They say in the journal Science that technology already exists which can have an impact on the man-made changeswhich are forecast for the coming century.The scientists run the Carbon Mitigation Initiative, which is supported by the oil firm BP and the car giant Ford.

Unless world leaders act now, the prospect of being able to curb global warming in the latter half of the century becomes more bleak, they say.

The technologies include improving the fuel efficiency of cars and switching from coal-fired power stations to natural gas. They also propose the increased use of wind power.