Global Temperature and the Paris Climate Pact
The global temperature has recently breached the Paris Climate Pact's 1.5 degrees Celsius threshold, indicating a significant climatic concern.
Recent Temperature Trends
- In 2023, the world came perilously close to the 1.5 degrees threshold.
- According to Copernicus, the EU’s earth observation programme, global temperatures in 2025 are expected to be similar to the past two years.
- This suggests that the period from 2023 through 2025 could be the first to consistently exceed the 1.5 degrees warming limit.
Scientific Analysis
- The data from the EU observatory aligns with the World Meteorological Organisation’s (WMO) findings, which predict that the current decade will be the warmest since the late 19th century.
- Scientists consider the Paris temperature target as a 30-year average, warning against assuming a point of no return for extreme weather events.
- However, multiple studies indicate a new climatic era with temperatures near 1.5 degrees.
Climatic Patterns and Challenges
- The warming noted by Copernicus is alarming, especially since 2025 did not experience the warming effects of El Niño.
- Despite the presence of La Niña, which typically cools global temperatures, the warming trend persisted.
- January 2025 was recorded as the warmest January ever, with November breaching the 1.5 degrees threshold again.
Policy and Funding Implications
- At COP 30 in Belém, Brazil, negotiators agreed to triple climate resilience funds over the next decade.
- The challenge remains in securing these funds and ensuring they reach those most in need.
- Unlike global warming mitigation, building protections against climate impacts requires local-level action.
Policymakers are urged to connect erratic weather patterns, scientific reports such as Copernicus, and outcomes from climate conferences to effectively address climate challenges.
