LYRICS
Faster and faster
Life is going past Her
1.5 and still alive
Make it to two
… how about you?
Burn, baby, burn
Higher and higher
Burn, baby, burn
Mired in dire
Expire
Faster and faster
Heading to disaster
2 in view
It’s hard to thrive
Make it to 3
… hardly
Burn, baby, burn
Higher and higher
Burn, baby, burn
Mired in dire
Expire
Faster and faster
Reaper is our master
Destiny passing three
Can’t arrive…
We can’t be
Burn, baby, burn
Higher and higher
Burn, baby, burn
Mired in dire
Expire
Faster and faster
We couldn’t outlast Her
Explore 4
There’ll be no more
I’s… to testify
Burn, baby, burn
Higher and higher
Burn, baby, burn
Mired in dire
Expire
Chords: Dm Am Em Am / G A / C E C E / E Am / C Dm; Part II 80 to 92 to 104 to 116 to 30 Beats Per Minute
Instrumentation: Vocals, Acoustic Guitar, Electric Guitar, Bass, Keyboards (Korg PS60, Casio WK-3500, Yamaha PSR-740, MiniNova, MicroKorg)
Currently, we have crossed the tipping point when human induced climate change triggers a chain reaction of feedback loops. In 2022, the UN Environment Programme (UNEP) insisted there is “no credible pathway to 1.5℃ in place.”
The Earth will exceed 1.5℃ (average global surface temperature over the surface of the earth for ten years) by the 2040’s and a societal collapse will ensue. For the most part, the Earth will be uninhabitable for humans by 2070 UNLESS immediate action is taken. UPDATE: Since writing this in 2021, there is enough data to conclude 1.5℃ will be breached a decade earlier. In October 2023, the Imperial College of London published a study that concludes 1.5℃ will be reached by 2030 at our current rate of emissions. The average temperature for 2023 was +1.4℃ with September’s average +1.7℃ and parts of July at +3℃
— from The Human Induced Climate Change Experiment / Mukerhjee and Brouse (2021/2023)
Q: Is it possible for humans to push the temperature 3℃ above pre-industrial levels?
A: Yes. Humans have pushed global temperatures up more than 3℃.
Q: Is it possible for humans to survive at temperatures greater than 3℃?
A: Probably not long. Humans have never done it before.
Extreme weather will become more frequent and intense. Sea levels will rapidly rise as the coasts disappear. However, the most concerning development will be feedback loops and tipping points. Plants will become extinct and many carbon sinks will vanish. The Earth’s temperature will continue to accelerate at an exponential rate no matter what humans do. Food, fresh water, and breathable air will cease to exist. Humans will likely follow in short order.
— from Climate Change: How Long Is “Ever”? / Brouse (2023)