The Paris Agreement established the goal of limiting global warming to well below 2°C, preferably 1.5°C, above pre-industrial levels. These targets represent thresholds beyond which climate impacts become significantly more severe.
Why 1.5°C Matters
The difference between 1.5°C and 2°C warming is substantial: twice as many people exposed to extreme heat, significantly more coral reef loss, greater sea level rise, and more severe impacts on agriculture and water resources.
Current Trajectory
Global temperatures have already risen approximately 1.2°C above pre-industrial levels. Current policies put the world on track for 2.5-3°C warming by 2100. Achieving 1.5°C requires halving emissions by 2030 and reaching net-zero by 2050.
Emissions Reduction Pathways
Meeting temperature targets requires rapid deployment of renewable energy, electrification of transport and buildings, efficiency improvements, and transformation of industrial processes. Negative emissions technologies may also be needed.
National Commitments
Countries have submitted Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) outlining their climate plans. While ambition has increased, current NDCs remain insufficient to meet Paris targets. Regular review cycles aim to ratchet up ambition.
The Urgency of Action
Every fraction of a degree matters. The window for limiting warming to 1.5°C is rapidly closing. Immediate, dramatic emissions reductions are essential to preserve any chance of meeting this target.