Paris Agreement: Global Warming at 1.5°C

The Red Line of Human-Caused Warming

The Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) has warned that global average temperature increases above 1.5°C will lead to catastrophic climate change. The Paris Agreement aims to keep warming to well below 2°C, with efforts to limit warming to 1.5°C.

According to the World Meteorological Organization (WMO), global temperatures are currently 1.1°C above pre-industrial levels and rising by 0.2°C per decade. The WMO also reported that 2023 is on track to be one of the top five hottest years on record.

Current Warming Trends

A recent study by the Climate Action Tracker (CAT) found that global temperatures are currently on track to reach 1.5°C of warming by the early 2030s. The study warned that this warming could lead to more extreme weather events, such as hurricanes, floods, and droughts.

The CAT study also found that current global climate policies are not enough to limit warming to 1.5°C. The study urged governments to take more ambitious action to reduce emissions and mitigate climate change.

The Importance of 1.5°C

Keeping global warming below 1.5°C is critical for avoiding the worst impacts of climate change. According to the IPCC, limiting warming to 1.5°C could reduce sea level rise by 10 centimeters, avoid the loss of coral reefs, and prevent extreme heat waves.

However, the IPCC also warned that the window for limiting warming to 1.5°C is rapidly narrowing. The IPCC said that global emissions must be cut by 45% by 2030 and reach net zero by 2050 to have a 66% chance of limiting warming to 1.5°C.

Conclusion

The world is on track to exceed 1.5°C of human-caused warming within the next decade. This warming could lead to catastrophic climate change, including more extreme weather events, rising sea levels, and increased food insecurity.

It is critical that governments take more ambitious action to reduce emissions and mitigate climate change. Limiting warming to 1.5°C is essential for protecting the planet and its people from the worst impacts of climate change.