Limiting global warming to 1.5°C above pre-industrial levels is a crucial climate target. It aims to reduce severe impacts like extreme weather, sea level rise, and loss of biodiversity.
Scientists warn that surpassing 1.5°C could lead to irreversible damage to ecosystems, endanger human lives, and worsen food and water scarcity. Staying below this threshold minimises risks to our planet.
In its report released at COP29 Climate Summit in Baku, the World Meteorological Organization said 2024 is on track to become the hottest year on record, with the average global air temperature crossing the 1.5 degrees threshold between January and September 2024.
Reducing global warming requires a rapid shift from fossil fuels to renewable energy, protecting forests, and making sustainable changes across industries. Funding and cooperation are major challenges.
The rise in the temperatures means the past months have seen the world temporarily surpass the critical threshold laid out in the 2016 Paris Agreement.
The Paris Agreement, adopted by 196 countries at COP21 in 2015 and enacted in 2016, aims to limit global warming to well below 2°C, with efforts to cap it at 1.5°C above pre-industrial levels.
At COP29, nations can agree on critical measures: enhancing green energy access, creating stronger emission targets, and securing financing for climate resilience in vulnerable regions.
Every effort counts. One can reduce carbon footprint by using energy efficiently, supporting sustainable products, and advocating for climate action in the community.
Limiting warming to 1.5°C is challenging, but achievable, experts feel. Advances in technology — like carbon capture, renewable energy, and sustainable agriculture — play a vital role in reaching the target.