Scientists warn that last year’s record-breaking temperatures indicate the world may be entering a new phase of global warming, surpassing the 1.5°C threshold—an experience unprecedented in human history.
According to a global news report, the Paris Agreement set a target to limit global warming to 1.5°C. However, even this seemingly small increase is having significant effects on both humans and nature.
Research suggests that rising temperatures pose severe risks, including extreme heatwaves, devastating floods, storms, rising sea levels, and the extinction of various plant and animal species.
The World Meteorological Organization (WMO) has linked the extreme heat of 2024 to long-term climate targets, noting that last year exceeded the 1.5°C mark. However, exceeding this threshold for a single year does not violate the Paris Agreement, which evaluates warming trends over 20–30 years.
Scientists estimate that the Earth has already warmed by approximately 1.3°C, exceeding temperatures from the past 125,000 years. A research team from Germany and Austria used observational data and computer models to predict whether a single year surpassing 1.5°C serves as an “early warning” for prolonged warming.
Their findings suggest that once a year crosses this threshold, the warming phase could last up to 20 years.
Researchers state that if strict measures to curb greenhouse gas emissions are not taken, the Paris Agreement’s target could be officially breached within the next decade. However, they emphasize that surpassing 1.5°C is not a reason for fear or despair but a call to immediate action.
