Limiting global temperature rise to 1.5 degrees Celsius above pre-industrial levels is critical to avoid the most severe impacts of climate change. Achieving this target requires significant and immediate reductions in greenhouse gas emissions, as well as adaptation efforts to address the impacts that are already occurring. Here’s how crucial it is to limit global temperature rise to 1.5 degrees Celsius:
- Avoiding Catastrophic Impacts: Limiting global warming to 1.5 degrees Celsius compared to 2 degrees Celsius can significantly reduce the risks of extreme weather events, sea level rise, biodiversity loss, and other catastrophic impacts. Even half a degree of additional warming can exacerbate these impacts and lead to irreversible damage to ecosystems and human societies.
- Protecting Vulnerable Communities: Many vulnerable communities, including low-lying coastal areas, small island nations, and regions prone to droughts and heatwaves, are disproportionately affected by climate change. Limiting global temperature rise to 1.5 degrees Celsius offers a better chance of protecting these communities from displacement, food and water shortages, and other climate-related threats.

- Preserving Ecosystems and Biodiversity: A 1.5-degree Celsius target provides a greater opportunity to safeguard ecosystems, such as coral reefs, forests, and polar regions, which are under increasing stress due to climate change. These ecosystems provide essential services, including carbon sequestration, biodiversity conservation, and natural hazard mitigation, that support human well-being and livelihoods.
- Ensuring Food and Water Security: Limiting global warming to 1.5 degrees Celsius is essential for ensuring food and water security for billions of people around the world. Higher temperatures and changing precipitation patterns can disrupt agricultural production, reduce crop yields, and exacerbate water scarcity, particularly in regions already facing challenges related to food and water insecurity.
- Meeting Sustainable Development Goals: Achieving the 1.5-degree Celsius target is closely aligned with the broader objectives of sustainable development, including poverty alleviation, health promotion, gender equality, and environmental conservation. By limiting global warming, we can create a more equitable and sustainable future for all, in line with the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals.

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