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illuminem summarizes for you the essential news of the day. Read the full piece on BBC or enjoy below:
🗞️ Driving the news: For the first time, global average temperatures have exceeded the 1.5C threshold for an entire year, marking a significant moment in climate science
• This development does not violate the Paris Agreement but underscores the urgency of addressing climate change to prevent long-term breaches.
🔭 The context: The 1.5C mark, set as a critical limit to avoid the most severe impacts of climate change, was surpassed due to a combination of human-induced warming and a natural El Niño event
• While this year-long exceedance is alarming, scientists emphasize the possibility of reducing future warming through rapid greenhouse gas emission cuts
🌍 Why it matters for the planet: Crossing the 1.5C threshold signals a worsening of climate impacts, including heatwaves, droughts, and rising sea levels
• It also raises concerns about reaching climate tipping points, which could lead to irreversible changes
⏭️ What's next: Although temporary relief may come with the end of the current El Niño, only decisive action to reduce emissions can halt the long-term warming trend
• Advancements in green technology and international efforts offer hope, but achieving net zero emissions is crucial to stabilizing global temperatures.
💬 One quote: "Rapid reductions in greenhouse gas emissions are the only way to stop global temperatures increasing," says Samantha Burgess, Deputy Director of Copernicus.
📈 One stat: The period from February 2023 to January 2024 reached 1.52C of warming, emphasizing the acceleration of climate change.
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