Why the Paris Agreement Selected 1.5 Degrees as the Limit Not to Exceed
The Paris Agreement's decision to set a global temperature limit of 1.5 degrees Celsius above pre-industrial levels was a crucial step in addressing climate change. Here's why:
Scientific Consensus:
The Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) reports that limiting global warming to 1.5°C rather than 2°C would significantly reduce the risks of climate change impacts on ecosystems, human health, and well-being. (Source: IPCC Special Report on Global Warming of 1.5°C)
Impact on Ecosystems:
A rise of 2°C would lead to more severe and irreversible impacts, such as the loss of 99% of coral reefs compared to a 70-90% loss at 1.5°C. Additionally, limiting warming to 1.5°C would preserve more than 10% of the world's coastal cities and ecosystems. (Source: IPCC Special Report on Global Warming of 1.5°C)
Vulnerable Communities:
The difference between 1.5°C and 2°C could mean life or death for vulnerable communities. For instance, limiting warming to 1.5°C could prevent the displacement of tens of millions of people due to sea-level rise and other climate impacts. (Source: IPCC Special Report on Global Warming of 1.5°C)
Economic Benefits:
The costs of adapting to climate change impacts would be significantly lower if global warming is limited to 1.5°C rather than 2°C. Additionally, achieving the 1.5°C target could generate economic benefits of around $26 trillion USD compared to business as usual scenarios. (Source: IPCC Special Report on Global Warming of 1.5°C)
The decision to aim for 1.5 degrees Celsius as the limit not to exceed in the Paris Agreement is grounded in rigorous scientific analysis and carries profound implications for the future of our planet and generations to come. Let's commit to ambitious actions to achieve this critical goal.
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