A new United Nations report states that the global goal to limit warming to 1.5°C is no longer achievable and the world will likely exceed this target by 2030.
Despite this, the report suggests it may still be possible to limit peak warming to 1.8°C by significantly reducing fossil fuel use and other emissions. This could then be followed by carbon removal methods to bring temperatures back below 1.5°C within this century. Current warming is approximately 1.4°C above pre-industrial levels, with rising impacts like extreme weather events and melting glaciers.
The 1.5°C target, established by the Paris Agreement, is crucial for minimizing climate risks and preventing irreversible harm, including the potential triggering of climate tipping points. While global emissions are plateauing, they have not yet begun to decrease substantially. Continued efforts to rapidly cut emissions and implement carbon removal strategies are necessary to mitigate further warming and its consequences.
Source: Down To Earth