Earth is Set to Overshoot the Paris Agreement's 1.5-Degree Threshold
A United Nations report announced that global temperature rise will exceed the critical threshold in the coming years, leading to severe climate crises.
According to a new report released by the United Nations Environment Programme, the Earth is expected to exceed the 1.5 degrees Celsius lower limit set in the Paris Agreement within the next few years.
Global Temperature Rise and Optimistic Scenarios
Even under the most optimistic scenarios, such as the full fulfillment of current national climate commitments and the achievement of net-zero emission targets, the expected peak temperature rise is projected to occur 1.8 degrees Celsius above pre-industrial levels.
Danger to Glaciers and Sea Levels
This temperature increase implies severe impacts of climate change, including significant changes in ice sheets, sea ice, glaciers, permafrost, and snow cover. It is stated that glaciers could lose more than a quarter of their mass by 2100 and raise sea levels by 9 to 12.5 centimeters.
Disasters in Nepal and Tibet
The report issued a warning following events in Nepal and Tibet where a glacier collapse triggered seismic signals and downstream devastating floods. These disasters highlight the urgency of the climate crisis.
Urgent Call for Action from UN Officials
United Nations Environment Programme Executive Director Inger Andersen and UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres emphasized the urgent need to double climate actions, reduce greenhouse gas emissions, and keep temperature overshoot as short and small as possible.