PARIS AGREEMENT

Adopted in 2015, The Paris Agreement is the first universal, legally binding global climate agreement with a clear goal: to keep global temperatures from rising more than 2°C above pre-industrial levels. But that's not only that – there's also a strong push to limit the increase to just 1.5°C.

The reason behind striving for the 1.5°C target is that it represents a safe zone within which the majority of climaterelated disasters can be mitigated. The temperature increase is directly linked to the cumulative greenhouse gas emissions released into the atmosphere. By setting these temperature limits, we establish the maximum amount of emissions that the Earth's environment can accommodate.

We're already feeling the effects of climate change today, and we're standing at nearly 1.1°C above pre-industrial levels. Crossing the 1.5°C threshold would have severe consequences for humanity, wildlife, and ecosystems. Hence, the urgency to take action and reduce greenhouse gas emissions to avoid reaching that dangerous level.

Source: China Dialogue

Scientists compare climate change impacts at 1.5C and 2C https://www.carbonbrief.org/scientists-compare-climate-change-impacts-at-1-5c-and-2c/