Global Carbon Budget Set to Exhaust in Just Over Three Years, Warn Scientists

INIndia|

An international group of scientists warns that the world's carbon budget for limiting global warming to 1.5 degrees Celsius will be depleted in just over three years if current emission rates persist. According to the latest study in the journal Earth System Science Data, human activities have emitted approximately 53 billion tonnes of carbon dioxide equivalent annually over the past decade, primarily due to fossil fuel combustion and deforestation.

The carbon budget indicates the total amount of carbon dioxide the planet can emit while maintaining a reasonable chance of staying below a specified temperature threshold. Notably, the year 2024 recorded temperatures 1.5 degrees Celsius higher than pre-industrial levels, marking it as the hottest year on record. The study emphasizes that the world is on track to exceed the 1.5-degree limit unless significant emissions reductions are achieved.

Furthermore, the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) has previously emphasized a need for a 43% reduction in greenhouse gas emissions by 2030 compared to 2019 levels. However, IPCC Chair Jim Skea noted that this target is becoming increasingly outdated due to insufficient action.

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