Limiting global warming to 1.5 degrees Celsius above pre-industrial levels is an important target outlined in the Paris Agreement, as exceeding this threshold can have significant impacts on the planet. Here are some potential consequences associated with a global temperature increase of 1.5 degrees Celsius:
More frequent and severe heatwaves: Higher temperatures can lead to an increased frequency, duration, and intensity of heatwaves. This can have adverse effects on human health, agriculture, ecosystems, and infrastructure.
Sea-level rise: As global temperatures rise, glaciers and ice sheets melt, resulting in a rise in sea levels. A 1.5-degree increase may still lead to substantial sea-level rise, threatening coastal communities, causing inundation of low-lying areas, and increasing the risk of storm surges.
Increased extreme weather events: Rising temperatures can contribute to more frequent and intense extreme weather events, such as hurricanes, droughts, floods, and wildfires. These events can have severe economic, social, and environmental impacts.
Ecosystem disruptions: Ecosystems around the world are vulnerable to temperature changes. A 1.5-degree increase can cause shifts in ecosystems, affecting biodiversity, species distributions, and ecological interactions. It can lead to habitat loss, species extinction, and disruptions to food webs and ecosystems services.
Coral reef decline: Warmer ocean temperatures can result in coral bleaching, where corals expel the algae living within them, causing the reefs to turn white. A 1.5-degree increase can significantly increase the frequency and severity of coral bleaching events, posing a major threat to coral reef ecosystems and the associated marine life.
Impacts on agriculture and food security: Changes in temperature and precipitation patterns can affect agricultural productivity, leading to crop failures, reduced yields, and changes in the suitability of certain regions for specific crops. This can impact food availability, prices, and food security, particularly in vulnerable regions.
These are just some of the potential consequences of a 1.5-degree Celsius increase in global temperature. It's important to note that the actual impacts can vary across different regions and ecosystems. Mitigating and adapting to these changes requires concerted efforts to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, transition to sustainable energy sources, implement climate-resilient practices, and protect vulnerable communities and ecosystems.