World already halfway to Climate Point of No Return

Key Points

• As 2015 shapes up to be the hottest year on record, scientists warn the world could be halfway towards surpassing countries’ self-set red line of 2DegC temperature rise. New research commissioned by the New Scientist shows that four out of the five major surface temperature records are set to pass the 1DegC point this year, measured from the 1850-1899 average. 2014 was the hottest year since records began. Now with an El Nino underway and predicted to intensify, it looks as if the global average surface temperature could jump by around 0.1DegC in just one year. 2015 is “shaping up to smash the old record.”

• Climate change is already affecting the world’s poorest and most vulnerable populations as warming brings escalating sea level rise, and more intense and volatile weather extremes. Rising temperatures and changing weather patterns already increase heat-related illnesses, enhance the spread of disease, reduce crop yields and threaten access to clean water, and could result in forced migration, conflict and social disruption. Bold climate action will save huge numbers of lives and produce significant cost savings in the health sector. Direct health impacts from climate change are expected to cost the world US$ 2-4 billion a year by 2030.

• The latest research underscores the urgency for government’s to act, and the solutions are ready and waiting. In December governments will meet in Paris to agree a new global climate pact, aimed at moving the world closer to keeping warming below the 2DegC threshold, or even the 1.5DegC demanded by vulnerable countries. With the renewable sector strengthening every day and fossil fuels faceing a battle for survival, there is no excuse for inaction. Governments must arrive in Paris ready to signal their collective vision for a complete phaseout of fossil fuels in favour of a 100% renewable future. . .