UN: World could hit 1.5-degree warming threshold in 5 years

9/7/2020 18:21

        The U.N. weather agency say, the world could see average global temperatures 1.5 degrees Celsius (2.7 Fahrenheit) above the pre-industrial average for the first time in the coming five years.
        
        The 1.5-C mark is the level to which countries have agreed to try to limit global warming. Scientists say average temperatures around the world are already at least 1 C higher now than during the period from 1850-1900 because of man-made greenhouse emissions.
        
        The World Meteorological Organization said there is a 20% chance that the 1.5 C level will be reached in at least one year between 2020 and 2024. The period is expected to see annual average temperatures that are 0.91 C to 1.59 C higher than pre-industrial averages.
        
        The forecast is contained in an annual climate outlook, spearheaded by the United Kingdom's Met Office.