Top UN climate scientist warns of global warming “serious risks”
The UN’s Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change will study how to limit global warming to the strictest target suggested by world leaders
A panel of leading United Nations climate scientists on Thursday said there are "serious risks" with even minor temperatures rises from current levels.
The UN’s Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) agreed to study how to limit global warming to the strictest target proposed at international climate negotiations last year.
The panel will conduct new research to explore ways to restrict the rise in temperatures to 1.5°C above pre-industrial times following the signing of the historic Paris Agreement on climate action in December by 195 UN member states.
Hoesung Lee, chair of the IPCC, said “serious risks” were associated with even minor increases in temperatures, particularly to coral reefs and to coasts from rising sea levels.
Mr Lee said the IPCC will issue the 1.5°C report in 2018 and two other special climate reports in the coming years, with one covering land, desertification and food security and another addressing oceans and the world ice covered areas, he said.
In 2015, average global surface temperatures reached the highest levels since records began in the 19th century, about 1°C above pre-industrial times.
Mr Lee said the IPCC would also launch an wide ranging report about the risks of climate change in 2022.
