Avg global temperature can rise by 1.5°C in next 5 years: WMO report

News: World Meteorological Organization(WMO) has released a report titled “The Global Annual to Decadal Climate Update”.

Facts:

  • The Global Annual to Decadal Climate Update report is led by the United Kingdom’s Met Office.
  • Aim: To provide a climate outlook for the next five years by harnessing the expertise of internationally acclaimed climate scientists and the best computer models from leading climate centres around the world.

Key Takeaways:

  • Global Temperature: Annual global temperature is likely to be at least 1°C warmer than pre industrial levels (defined as the 1850-1900 average) in each of the coming 5 years.
    • However, the possibility of average global temperature rising by 1.5°C in the next 5 years is increasing with time.

Additional Facts:

  • Paris agreement: It was adopted at the UNFCCC COP21 held in Paris in 2015.It aims to keep global temperature rise in the 21st century well below 2 degrees Celsius above pre-industrial levels and pursue efforts to limit the temperature increase even further to 1.5 degrees Celsius.
  • World Meteorological Organization(WMO): It is an intergovernmental organization established by the ratification of the WMO Convention in 1950.
    • Members: 193 Member States and Territories.
    • Significance: It is a specialized agency of the United Nations (UN).
    • Headquarters: Geneva, Switzerland.