UN report on global warming--passing threshold based on mid-19th century levels

Passing the longtime warming threshold https://phys.org/news/2026-09-global-exceed-limit-path-danger.html?utm_campaign=2026-09-02&utm_content=501&utm_medium=referral&utm_source=themorningbrief.co After the Paris climate accord, the United Nations ordered its climate science arm to study different warming limits. A goal of 1.5 Celsius (2.7 Fahrenheit) above mid-19th century temperatures became generally accepted after the scientists found dramatic impacts that affect people and the planet at 2 degrees Celsius (3.8 degrees Fahrenheit) but not at 1.5 degrees.

The world is now at 1.4 C (2.5 F) above pre-industrial levels, some scientists have calculated. The measure is based on a 20-year average, rather than a single year's temperatures.

Despite experts saying there's no way to limit warming to 1.5 degrees, U.N. officials long maintained the 1.5 window was still open. Wednesday's report finally admitted that the world will cross the 1.5 threshold "in the next few years."