UN Reports: Exceeding 1.5°C Global Warming Threshold Threatens Irreversible Consequences

Two UN reports warned that exceeding the 1.5°C global warming threshold will have "irreversible" consequences for glaciers, sea ice, and frozen regions, and called for action "as quickly as possible."

Two UN reports warned on Monday that exceeding the 1.5°C global warming threshold will have "irreversible" consequences for glaciers, sea ice, and frozen regions on Earth, and called for action "as quickly as possible." One report indicated that exceeding this target set in the Paris Agreement would lead to significant and often irreversible impacts on the cryosphere and polar oceans. The melting of glaciers, sea ice, and permafrost, along with accelerating sea level rise, will lead to many consequences including increased risks of floods, economic and environmental losses, worsening water scarcity, and heightened dangers in mountainous areas. The second report warns of major consequences if global warming exceeds 2.8°C and remains at that level over the next century. Sea levels could rise by up to five centimeters per year by 2150, compared to about 0.45 centimeters currently. Permafrost thaw could also release annual carbon dioxide emissions equivalent to those currently emitted by the United States, the world's second-largest polluter.