The World Is Likely to Exceed a Key Global Warming Target Soon
The Emissions Gap Report 2025 by the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) reveals that global temperatures are on track to surpass the most ambitious target of the Paris Agreement.
According to the report, within the next decade, global temperatures will likely rise above 1.5°C compared to pre-industrial levels. This surpasses the limit many climate advocates had hoped would not be reached for decades, if at all. Keeping the temperature increase below 1.5°C is crucial to avoid some of the most severe impacts of climate change.
“Despite all the warnings, the world has continued to emit greenhouse gases at record levels, so this conclusion wasn’t unexpected,” said Martin Krause, Director of UNEP’s Climate Change Division. “But it should be a wakeup call to everyone. Climate change is real, it’s happening and unless we do something about it soon, the consequences will be severe.”
The report highlights the urgent need to act, reflecting on more than a decade since the Paris Agreement was signed. It calls for a deeper understanding of how the world arrived at this point and what exceeding 1.5°C means for humanity.
Key Points from the Emissions Gap Report 2025
- Global temperatures are set to exceed 1.5°C above pre-industrial levels within the next decade.
- Record-high greenhouse gas emissions continue despite warnings.
- Surpassing 1.5°C could trigger dangerous climate impacts.
- The findings serve as a critical wake-up call for immediate action.
Implications of Exceeding 1.5°C
Overshooting this temperature threshold heightens the risk of extreme weather, sea-level rise, and ecosystem disruption. The urgency for global cooperation and stronger climate policies has never been greater.
Author’s summary: The UNEP’s 2025 report warns that global warming will surpass the crucial 1.5°C limit within a decade, emphasizing an urgent need for action to prevent severe climate consequences.