The existential threat of climate change, especially for vulnerable and island nations, prompted the Paris Agreement to target a global temperature increase of well below 2°C above pre-industrial levels, while striving to limit it to 1.5°C. This urgency has driven scientists to intensify research efforts on the implications of a 1.5°C rise.
Currently, with approximately 1°C of global warming, we are already witnessing severe impacts such as extreme weather events—including the recent global heatwave, extensive wildfires, and destructive hurricanes. Adapting and building resilience is crucial, and the need for this intensifies with rising temperatures.
Research shows that 1.5°C is markedly safer than 2°C for both people and ecosystems. For instance, nearly 700 million people (9.0% of the global population) will face extreme heat waves at least once every 20 years in a 1.5°C scenario, compared to over 2 billion (28.2%) in a 2°C world. Additionally, while 70% of tropical coral reefs risk severe degradation at 1.5°C, virtually all will face that risk at 2°C.
Immediate action is essential; this includes significant reductions in pollution and actively removing CO2 from the atmosphere. Land-based solutions like forest restoration not only mitigate climate effects but also benefit ecosystems. Global emissions reductions must be balanced with carbon removal by mid-century, particularly in developed nations.
WWF is dedicated to empowering governments, businesses, and the public with the latest scientific insights to facilitate informed climate action.
