1.5 DEGREE CELSIUS THRESHOLD

Source: Indian Express

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Context

• May 2024 was the warmest May on record, continuing a 12-month streak of record-breaking temperatures, with an average global temperature 1.5°C above the 1850-1900 pre-industrial average.
• The 2015 Paris Agreement aims to limit global temperature rise to well below 2°C, ideally capping it at 1.5°C above pre-industrial levels to prevent severe climate impacts.
• Reports from the Copernicus Climate Change Service (C3S) and the World Meteorological Organization (WMO) highlight the increasing likelihood of breaching the 1.5°C threshold in the near future due to persistent high greenhouse gas emissions and phenomena like El Niño.

Details

Key Points

• 5°C Threshold
  • Defined in the 2015 Paris Agreement, aiming to limit global warming to 1.5°C above pre-industrial levels.
  • Critical to prevent severe, long-term climate impacts.
• Causes and Effects
  • Increased greenhouse gas emissions from fossil fuels.
  • Severe heatwaves, oceanic warming, and coral bleaching as observed effects.
  • Climate tipping points indicate irreversible changes in natural systems.
• Role of International Organizations
  • Copernicus Climate Change Service (C3S): Monitors global temperature trends.
  • World Meteorological Organization (WMO): Provides climate forecasts and warnings, publishes critical climate reports.
  • NOAA: Tracks and reports on oceanic and atmospheric changes.
• Mitigation Strategies
  • Immediate reduction of greenhouse gas emissions.
  • Transition from fossil fuels to renewable energy sources.
  • Implementation of sustainable development practices

About Copernicus Climate Change Service (C3S)

Monitoring:

• C3S provides detailed information on past, present, and future climate changes.

Data Source:

• Utilizes satellite data and ground-based observations.

Reports:

• Publishes regular reports on temperature anomalies and other climate indicators.

Tools:

• Offers tools for climate adaptation and mitigation planning.

Collaboration:

• Works with European and global partners for comprehensive climate monitoring.

About Cryosphere

Definition:

• The cryosphere includes all frozen water parts of the Earth system, such as glaciers, ice caps, and permafrost.

Importance:

• Plays a critical role in regulating the Earth's climate by reflecting sunlight.

Indicators:

• Melting of the cryosphere is a key indicator of global warming.

Impact:

• Affects sea levels and global weather patterns.

Monitoring:

• Monitored by organizations like NASA and the European Space Agency (ESA).

About World Meteorological Organization (WMO)

Establishment:

• Founded in 1950, a specialized agency of the United Nations.

Mission:

• Promotes international cooperation in meteorology, climatology, hydrology, and related fields.

Reports:

• Publishes annual State of the Global Climate reports and updates on extreme weather events.

Climate Forecasting:

• Provides climate predictions and warnings about climate-related risks.

Initiatives:

• Leads global initiatives on climate monitoring and disaster risk reduction, including the Global Framework for Climate Services (GFCS)

About El Niño

Definition:

• El Niño is a climate pattern characterized by the warming of surface waters in the central and eastern tropical Pacific Ocean.

Frequency:

• Occurs irregularly every 2 to 7 years, typically lasting 9 to 12 months.

Global Impact:

• Causes significant changes in weather patterns worldwide, including increased rainfall in the southern United States and Peru, and droughts in Australia and Indonesia.

Temperature Rise:

• Contributes to higher global surface temperatures, often resulting in record-breaking heat.

Economic and Environmental Effects:

• Can lead to severe economic impacts, particularly in agriculture and fisheries, and exacerbates environmental issues such as coral bleaching and forest fires.

About La Niña

Definition:

• La Niña is a climate pattern characterized by the cooling of surface waters in the central and eastern tropical Pacific Ocean, the opposite of El Niño.

Frequency:

• Typically follows El Niño, occurring every 2 to 7 years and lasting about 9 to 12 months.

Global Impact:

• Leads to changes in global weather patterns, including increased rainfall in Australia and Indonesia, and drier conditions in the southwestern United States.

Temperature Decrease:

• Generally contributes to lower global average temperatures, temporarily offsetting the warming trend.

Economic and Environmental Effects:

• Can cause significant impacts on agriculture, leading to crop yield variations, and affects weather-related natural disasters such as hurricanes and floods.

Sources:

Indian Express

PRACTICE QUESTION Q. Critically examine the significance of the 1.5°C target set by the Paris Agreement in combating global climate change. Discuss the potential impacts if this target is breached.