Warning climate researchers: 1.5-degree destination in danger-urgent need for action!

Warning climate researchers: 1.5-degree destination in danger-urgent need for action!

Österreich - The dangers of global warming have increasingly become aware of the public in recent years. In particular, the 1.5-degree goal, which was determined as part of Paris' Convention in 2015, is considered crucial for climate protection. The aim of increasing the increase in global average temperature is significantly below 2 ° C and intensifying the efforts to limit it to 1.5 ° C is the focus of international climate policy. According to [Kleine Zeitung] (https://www.kleinezeitung.at/service/newsticker/chronik/19811901/Forscher-betonen-bandrligung- zu-1-5-degree-target), the global average temperature is, however, worrying close to this brand. The devastating climate change has already caused this critical point to be exceeded last year.

researchers like Joeri Rogelj from Imperial College London and Lavanya Rajamani from the University of Oxford warn that the likelihood of limiting warming to 1.5 degrees is "fundamentally low". Current estimates suggest that the 1.5 degree limit could be exceeded in the next ten years. Despite these worrying developments, the fight against climate change for current and future generations remains of central importance.

climate change in Austria

Austria has already recorded a temperature plus of 3.1 degrees Celsius compared to 1900. This shows the acceleration of the warming by about 0.5 degrees per decade. In particular, extreme weather events such as droughts, heavy ribbons and heat waves are now common. Examples such as the devastating floods in Eastern Austria explain the impending negative effects last year. In addition, the results of the "Second Austrian Madeial Report on Climate Change" show that each increase by a tenth degree increases the losses and damage from climate change and increases the likelihood of reaching tilting points in the earth system.

As explained in the Federal Environment Agency, the measures to achieve the 1.5-degree target are of central importance. The international context plays a crucial role, since all 195 countries of Paris' Convention are obliged to reduce their emissions. Urgent reduction in the reduction of fossil fuels and to promote renewable energies are essential. The goal is to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 43 % by 2030 and by 60 % by 2035.

international climate policy

The Convention of Paris and the political landscape are not without challenges. The "overhoot" of the 1.5-degree mark could lead to the unstoppable melting of ice shields and causing severe, irreversible effects. Even with an increase of 2 degrees Celsius, there are dangerous tilting points that can destabilize the climate system. The findings of the 2018 IPCC special report emphasize the importance of the 1.5-degree goal and its effects on ecosystems, biodiversity as well as health and economic factors.

The latest developments show that the implementation of Paris' Convention has not yet been completed. An important step is the global inventory, which takes place every five years and serves to adapt the national climate protection contributions (NDCS). The first comprehensive report is expected in 2023, and the results should be incorporated into the new NDCS 2025. The way to greenhouse gas neutrality, as a long-term goal in the second half of the 21st century, requires close cooperation and essential progress in international climate policy, as well as in the further analysis of the environmental Federal Office) is shown.