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1.5 DEGREE CELSIUS THRESHOLD

11th June, 2024

1.5 DEGREE CELSIUS THRESHOLD

Source: Indian Express

Disclaimer: Copyright infringement not intended.

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.