"A Clash Over Degrees: How Hot Should Nations Allow the Earth to Get?"

"The mantra has been: Limit global warming to 1.5 degrees Celsius or risk climate catastrophe. But at COP27, there are hints of backsliding."

"SHARM EL SHEIKH, Egypt — At last year’s global climate talks in Glasgow, world leaders, scientists and chief executives rallied around a call to “keep 1.5 alive.”

The mantra was in reference to an aspirational goal that every government endorsed in the 2015 Paris climate agreement: try to stop global average temperatures from rising more than 1.5 degrees Celsius (2.7 degrees Fahrenheit) above preindustrial levels. Beyond that threshold, scientists say, the risk of climate catastrophes increases significantly.

Now, 1.5 is hanging on for dear life.

At the United Nations climate summit that is underway in this Red Sea town, countries are clashing over whether they should continue to aim for the 1.5-degree target."

Brad Plumer, David Gelles and Lisa Friedman report for the New York Times November 16, 2022.

SEE ALSO:

"COP27: What Are The Sticking Points To Reaching A Climate Deal?" (Reuters)

"Lines In The Sand Need Redrawing To Reach Climate Deal" (AP)

"Low-Income Countries Want More Money For Climate Damage. They're Unlikely To Get It." (NPR)

"COP27 Set for Showdown After Draft Leaves Out Fossil Fuel Pledge" (Bloomberg Green)

 

Source: NYTimes, 11/17/2022