Is It Still Possible to Limit Warming to 1.5C? [Video]

As world leaders gather at COP29 in Azerbaijan to discuss climate action, scientists are questioning whether keeping global warming limited to 1.5 degrees Celsius above pre-industrial averages is even still within reach.

Already, warming is slated to be above 1.5 degrees Celsius for the 2024 calendar year for the first time, according to a recent report by the European Union’s Copernicus Climate Change Service (C3S). That report also noted that 2024 is likely to be the warmest year on record, even hotter than 2023, which currently holds the record for hottest year. Further, from June 2023 through May 2024, temperatures reached more than 1.63 degrees Celsius above pre-industrial averages for 12 consecutive months.

Now, the science shows that limiting warming to the 1.5 degrees Celsius goal outlined in the Paris Agreement is becoming less and less likely. Some experts warn that we may already be past the point of limiting warming.

“The goal to avoid exceeding 1.5C is deader than a doornail. It’s almost impossible …