Greenhouse gas emissions have played a much less significant role in this timeline than in the original Earth's history. With a global shift to renewable energy sources, greenhouse gas emissions have been better managed and reduced over time, resulting in lower atmospheric carbon dioxide levels and relatively minimal climate change effects.
During the Industrial Revolution, the societies of this timeline did not rely on fossil fuels for the majority of their energy needs, opting instead for cleaner and more efficient alternatives such as hydroelectric power, solar energy, and wind energy. This has resulted in a significantly lower rate of greenhouse gas emissions compared to Earth, with the most significant emissions primarily coming from volcanic activity and natural sources.
The emphasis on renewable energy sources has allowed various nations and societies to maintain high levels of economic growth while reducing their carbon footprint. With the majority of energy needs being met through renewable resources, the cost of energy has also decreased, making it more accessible to all segments of society. This has helped contribute to widespread economic prosperity and technological advancement.
As a result of the smaller emission footprint, atmospheric carbon dioxide levels are significantly lower compared to Earth, hovering around 300 parts per million (ppm) throughout the 21st century. This has led to far less severe climate change effects, with a relatively stable global climate and minimal disruptions to ecosystems and biodiversity.
In this alternate timeline, environmentalism has remained a niche issue due to the relatively minimal climate change effects and impact of greenhouse emissions. While there are still organizations and movements advocating for environmental protection and sustainability, these movements have never grown to the same level of prominence as seen in Earth. As such, little emphasis is placed on reducing carbon emissions or addressing the environmental impact of various industries and human activities.
The lower levels of greenhouse gas emissions in this timeline have set the stage for a potentially more sustainable and environmentally friendly future. However, environmental challenges and concerns do still exist. For example, with the rapid expansion of modern technology and various industries, there is potential for electronic waste and pollution to become significant issues if not properly addressed.
As societies continue to grow and evolve in this alternate timeline, it is essential to maintain a focus on sustainability and environmental stewardship to ensure continued prosperity and wellbeing for future generations. However, the lack of urgency surrounding environmental issues poses a potential risk if emerging challenges are not identified and addressed proactively.
