News

Climate report warns need to limit emissions by 2020

July 30, 2018 5:37 am

If global carbon emissions are not curbed by 2020, limiting global warming to one point five degree Celsius will be near impossible.

The reality of this would mean an increase in extreme events, species loss and irreparable ecosystems.

These statements form a draft report by Pacific Academics who were directed under the Paris Agreement to detail the science behind the reason for limiting global warming to one point five degree Celsius.

Article continues after advertisement

Dr. Morgan Weir from the University of the South Pacific and one of the authors of the report presented a snapshot of their draft findings which are to be presented to the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change in October.

“We are not on track at the moment to achieve 1.5 degrees but limiting warming to 1.5 is feasible according to the finds of the report but it comes at a higher cost and it will require political will, stronger political will to do that but if we achieve that than we also achieve enhanced benefits due to sustainable development."

Dr. Morgan adds emissions would need to be halved to continue to keep the environment sustainable after reaching a plateau in 2020.
Meanwhile, the report is expected to be finalised by October.