The level of atmospheric carbon dioxide can only stabilize if emissions are reduced to:

The correct understanding of the stabilization of atmospheric carbon dioxide levels hinges on significant reductions in emissions relative to historical levels, such as those from 1990. The rationale behind needing to reduce emissions to 60% of their 1990 levels is based on climate science and models that indicate a threshold for stabilizing the concentration of greenhouse gases in the atmosphere.

Cutting emissions to this particular level helps ensure that the rate of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere does not continue to increase, thus averting the worst impacts of climate change. This amount is often discussed in the context of international agreements and scientific studies advocating for substantial cuts to achieve long-term climate targets, such as those established in the Paris Agreement aiming to limit global warming.

Understanding this context highlights that a decrease to 60% would likely provide a balance between current emission levels and the needed alterations in atmospheric carbon concentration, contributing to climate stability.