UN Reports Warns Permanent Cryosphere Damage From 1.5C Breach

Surpassing the 1.5C global warming limit risks irreversible destruction to Earth's glaciers and ice sheets.

A United Nations report warns that temporarily exceeding the 1.5C global heating target will cause irreversible damage to glaciers and ice sheets. The findings dismantle the notion that overshooting temperature limits is manageable without immediate emission cuts. Researchers argue global temperatures must eventually return below 1C to protect the cryosphere.

• The findingTemporary temperature spikes above the Paris agreement limit still trigger permanent and widespread losses of ice.
• The targetScientists suggest heating levels must eventually be brought back below 1C following any overshoot period.
• The mythThe report challenges the belief that higher temperature thresholds of 2C or 3C can be safely managed.

Written from 2 of 3 outlets — 1 has since joined this story.