Racing Towards Hothouse Earth

In this episode we unpack the latest warnings about a potential Hothouse Earth trajectory. They explain what this term actually means, why it would be unsurvivable for human civilization, and how multiple amplifying feedbacks and tipping points are pushing us toward dangerous new territory.

This video was recorded on February 18th, 2026, and published on March 8th, 2026, and represents the opinions of the discussion participants.

The conversation digs into new research, including updated timelines showing how quickly we may reach 2 °C and beyond, the accelerating loss of Arctic sea ice, weakening carbon sinks, and the growing risk from permafrost thaw and ocean heat buildup. Peter and Paul also explore the difference between probability and risk, and why current scenarios amount to what they call a “global suicide” pathway if left unchanged.

Finally, the panel discusses what it would actually take to avoid a Hothouse Earth outcome, arguing that deep emissions cuts alone are no longer enough. They outline a three‑part response: rapid fossil fuel phase‑out, large‑scale carbon removal, and carefully governed planetary cooling measures to buy time and prevent crossing irreversible tipping points.

Links:

• Support Our Mission

• The Risk of a hothouse Earth trajectory

• Trajectories of the Earth System in the Anthropocene

• Climate Endgame (CEF Video)

• Another El nino Already? What Can We Learn from It?

• Positive Tipping Points

• Clearing the Air: A Hopeful Guide to Solving Climate Change in 50 Questions and Answers

• Planetary Solvency (CEF Video)

• Ocean Cycles - El Niño and La Niña (CEF Video)

• Climate-Driven Inflation (CEF Video)

• Change is brewing in the coffee industry. What lies ahead?

• Climate Victory: What It Really Takes (CEF Video)

• The Climate Triad For a Safe and Healthy Climate (CEF Video)

• The first country to BAN the sale of new gas cars is doing just fine, actually

• ‘Daunting but doable’: Europe urged to prepare for 3C of global heating

• EPA Greenhouse Gas Endangerment Review Risks Preemption Defenses

Regular Panelists:

• Dr. Peter Carter - MD, Expert IPCC Reviewer and the director of the Climate Emergency Institute.

• Paul Beckwith - Climate Systems Scientist. Professor at the University of Ottawa’s Paleoclimatology Laboratory as well as at Carleton University.

• Herb Simmens - Author, Co-founder of the Healthy Planet Action Coalition (HPAC), Climate Emergency Board Member and former college instructor.

Video Production:

• Charles Gregoire - Electrical Engineer, Webmaster and IT prime for FacingFuture.Earth & the Climate Emergency Forum; Climate Reality Leader

• Heidi Brault - Climate Reality Leader, BA(Psychology), Library & Information Technician Diploma - Video production and website assistant - Organizer and convener, Metadata technician, COP Team Lead for FacingFuture.Earth and the Climate Emergency Forum.

Attributions:

Background Music:

• Title: Through the City II
• Author: Crowander
• Source: crowander.com

Image and Video:

• Image and Video Attributions