The 1.5° warming target is dead, but no one wants to bury it
Leaders at COP31 are committed to this symbolic goal, even after the UN and many scientists have said it is impossible to achieve.
The COP31 climate conference in Antalya, Turkey, has seen leaders reaffirming their commitment to the 1.5° goal, despite the UN warning that global warming is likely to exceed this target. European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen and Marshall Islands President Hilda Heine have called for redoubled efforts to meet the goal, which scientists say is still achievable with drastic emission cuts and large-scale carbon capture technology.
However, many countries are falling short of their climate targets, and some scientists warn that abandoning the 1.5° goal could lead to even weaker global ambitions. The goal is seen as crucial for low-lying nations like the Marshall Islands, which face existential threats from rising sea levels.
Written by urgent.news from Politico EU's report — not a translation of it. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
