The world passed a dangerous new global warming threshold last year.
For the first time, global average temperatures exceeded 1.5°C above pre-industrial levels for an entire year.
The announcement came from the EU’s Copernicus Climate Change Service, after analysis of global temperatures between February 2023 to January 2024.
While this doesn't technically break the Paris Agreement's target, as that relies on a longer-term multi-year average increase - it serves as an ominous warning of our planet's warming trajectory and the pressing need for action.
While it's crucial to avoid fear-mongering, understanding the potential consequences of exceeding 1.5°C is vital.
This threshold wasn't arbitrarily chosen; it represents a critical point beyond which the risks of climate change – extreme weather events, droughts, rising sea levels, climate-related human conflict and irreversible ecosystem damage – intensify significantly.
1.5C - A Symbol of International Cooperation
Limiting warming to 1.5°C has become a cornerstone of international climate action. The landmark 2018 UN report highlighted the stark difference in risks between 1.5°C and 2°C, with the latter leading to much more severe consequences.
The 2018 Paris Agreement, signed by nearly 200 nations, reflects this shared understanding, urging "efforts" to maintain the 1.5°C limit.
And while at last year’s Dubai COP 28, Governments around the world agreed, finally some would say, to ‘transition away from fossil fuels’ in a bid to tackle human-induced temperature rises, achieving this promise now requires significant commitment across both legislation, and financial investment into new technologies and support.
The Reality of Warming
It's crucial to recognise that this isn't an isolated incident. The current warming trend is irrefutable and primarily driven by human activities, particularly the burning of fossil fuels that release greenhouse gases.
This week, for example, scientists in Australia, also released data showing their continent had now officially warmed by 1.5°C since 1910, showcasing the tangible impact on individual regions.
For the millions living on the Pacific Oceans many atolls and islands this increase - and the rising sea levels and more extreme cyclones and storms it is causing - is already having an impact their lives
Beyond the Numbers
While technicalities like data margins and specific temperature definitions are important, and indeed the very real impact of this last year’s El Niño event (where warmer waters in the south Pacific influence global weather, including warmth, significantly) they shouldn't distract from the bigger picture.
The trend is clear: we're warming, and exceeding 1.5°C for a year underscores the urgency of mitigating further damage.
Hope in the Face of Challenge
The good news? It's not too late to act.
Scientists emphasise that urgent carbon emission reductions can still slow warming. This requires collective action from individuals, businesses, and governments – from embracing renewable energy and energy efficiency to investing in sustainable practices and advocating for effective climate policies.
Each of us can, and should, try harder to reduce our emissions. Every little thing counts, from eating less meat each week, to minimising car journeys where we can, to switching to purely renewable energy supplies.
Moving Forward
Crossing the 1.5°C threshold shouldn't be viewed as a point of despair, but rather a wake-up call.
It's a reminder of the collective responsibility we hold towards ourselves and future generations. By focusing on solutions, fostering collaboration, and taking decisive action, we can still create a more sustainable future for our planet.
Switch2Zero has a wealth of ideas and resources people can use to measure, understand and reduce their carbon footprint. Visit our resources section to find out more.
