· 2 min read
Illuminem summarizes for you the essential news of the day. Read the full piece on The Guardian or enjoy below:
🗞️ Driving the news: James Hansen, a renowned climate scientist, warned that the Earth is likely to surpass the critical 1.5C global warming threshold in 2024
• This increase is attributed to fossil fuel emissions and the natural El Niño event, which amplifies global heating
🔭 The context: The 1.5C threshold, set to prevent catastrophic climate change, is now expected to be exceeded earlier due to a combination of human-induced emissions and natural climatic variations
• James Hansen's statement reflects a growing concern among scientists about the pace of global warming as he played a pivotal role in bringing the issue of climate change to public attention, especially with his testimony to the US Congress in 1988
🌍 Why it matters for the planet: Surpassing the 1.5C threshold could lead to more severe climate impacts, including heatwaves, droughts, and flooding, particularly affecting developing countries and small island states
• This situation challenges the global commitment to limit temperature rise, highlighting the urgency for stronger climate action
⏭️ What's next: The scientific community and policymakers may need to intensify efforts in emissions reduction and innovative climate solutions, while enhancing international cooperation to address the accelerated pace of global warming
💬 One quote: "Passing through the 1.5C world is a significant milestone because it shows that the story being told by the United Nations... is a load of bullshit," (James Hansen)
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