G20 Leaders Agree on 1.5 Degrees Climate Target

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The leaders of the 20-nation Group sent a symbolic message on Sunday as one of its most important climate conferences begins, promising to “continue efforts” to keep the average global temperature rise of 1.5 degrees Celsius by the end of this century.

While citing the figure seen as a critical threshold for limiting the most severe effects of climate change is a step forward, leaders did not say how their countries would more aggressively reduce their emissions to meet this goal.

“We remain committed to the Paris Agreement goal as a way to continue efforts to keep the global average temperature rise well below 2°C and limit it to 1.5°C above pre-industrial levels, as well as ensure that the 2030 Agenda is achieved. “The leaders said

Saying that they are “looking forward to a successful climate conference”, the leaders said, “We are aware that the impacts of climate change at 1.5°C are much lower than at 2°C.”

Italian Prime Minister Mario Draghi said the commitment, however symbolic, was not insignificant. “Now, for the first time, all g20 countries” 1.5. “acknowledges the scientific value of the degree goal,” he said.

The scientific consensus is that if the average global temperature rises by 1.5 degrees Celsius – 2.7 degrees Fahrenheit – it will significantly increase the likelihood of much worse climate disasters that can exacerbate hunger, disease and conflict. This consensus came in a key report a few years after the Paris agreement, which set the target “well below” 2 degrees Celsius.

The language of the statement sends an important signal to the United Nations-led UN. international climate summit It started in Glasgow on Sunday. Hosts England and the United States made the 1.5 degree goal a rallying cry.

G20 countries are responsible for the vast majority of local greenhouse gas emissions that warm the planet and are key to preventing the worst consequences of global warming.

“Keeping 1.5°C within reach” will require “meaningful and effective action and commitment by all countries considering different approaches, through the development of clear national pathways aligned with long-term ambition,” the leaders said in a statement on Sunday. Sustainable and responsible consumption and production as critical facilitators in the context of sustainable development, with short- and medium-term goals and international cooperation and support, including finance and technology.

However, reaching the 1.5 degree limit right now is a very ambitious goal.

Even if all countries achieve the targets they set for themselves in the Paris Agreement, the average global temperatures on track to rise 2.7 degrees Celsius until the end of the century. Achieving the target will require major polluting countries to strengthen these targets, or Nationally Determined Contributions as it is known, by committing to reduce emissions much faster between now and 2030.

The leaders made a commitment to “take more action this decade” and update their plans as needed. .

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