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World Nears Critical 1.5°C Warming Limit
29 Dec
Summary
- Global temperatures in 2026 may reach 1.46°C above pre-industrial levels.
- This marks the fourth consecutive year exceeding 1.4°C above average.
- Decades-old pollution forecasts accurately predicted current warming trends.
Global temperatures are alarmingly close to the 1.5°C threshold once deemed avoidable. Projections for 2026 indicate a rise between 1.34°C and 1.58°C above the 1850-1900 average, with a central estimate of 1.46°C. This marks the fourth consecutive year expected to surpass 1.4°C, underscoring a concerning acceleration in warming trends. Data confirms 2024 as the hottest year on record, with 2025 tied for second warmest.
Scientists have long documented the consequences of rising temperatures, including increased intensity and duration of wildfires due to drier conditions. Early climate research from decades ago accurately predicted these outcomes, as historical records confirm. A recent global survey revealed that nearly two-thirds of risk experts anticipate a higher likelihood of major catastrophes within the next decade.
Efforts to combat rising temperatures include a call for global transitions to circular economies, decarbonizing energy systems, and sustainable consumption. At the household level, adopting solar power, particularly with battery storage, offers significant benefits for reducing bills and enhancing energy resilience against extreme weather events and grid instability.
