News update: The Earth breaches its temperature target
Jan 10, 2025
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Zeke Hausfather, a climate scientist from UC Berkeley and IPCC author, discusses the alarming breach of the 1.5-degree Celsius threshold in 2024. He highlights the urgency of adhering to the Paris Agreement in light of recent scientific findings. The conversation also touches on innovative adaptations, such as Malawian farmers producing banana wine for economic stability. Additionally, the impact of rising temperatures on humpback whale migration and breeding patterns is explored, emphasizing the need for global climate action.
The breach of the 1.5 degrees Celsius temperature target signifies urgent implications for climate policy and global agreements like the Paris Accord.
In Malawi, farmers are innovating with banana wine to adapt to climate change, empowering local women and enhancing their financial stability amidst rising water levels.
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Global Temperature Records and Climate Change
Recent data indicates that the global temperature has risen to 1.6 degrees Celsius above pre-industrial levels, marking the first time this threshold has been crossed. This rise is particularly concerning as it reflects the ongoing warming trend driven by human activities, leading many experts to question the implications for climate agreements like the Paris Accord. The potential breach of the 1.5 degrees Celsius target intensifies discussions about climate policy and actions needed to mitigate further damage. These findings emphasize the pressing nature of climate change and the critical need for effective global responses to stabilize temperatures.
Innovative Climate Adaptation in Malawi
In Malawi, banana growers have turned a climate crisis into an opportunity by creating banana wine, a creative solution to restore livelihoods affected by rising water levels. Women in the region have adapted their practices as climate change has compromised traditional farming, enabling them to secure financial stability through winemaking while also managing a diverse range of crops. This initiative not only provides a sustainable source of income but also empowers women and supports their families. As they share their success stories, it becomes evident that innovation and resilience are key to thriving in the face of climate adversity.
Climate Impacts on Humpback Whale Migration
A remarkable case of a humpback whale's extensive migration raises concerns about the effects of climate change on marine life. The whale, which traveled over 13,000 kilometers from Colombia to Zanzibar, illustrates the shifting patterns that animals are exhibiting in response to changing ocean conditions. Data suggests that as the climate warms, traditional breeding grounds for these whales may no longer be suitable, forcing them to travel further in search of food and breeding opportunities. This case not only highlights the impact of global warming on marine ecosystems but also points to the complex interconnections between climate change and wildlife behavior.
In 2024, the global temperature was more than 1.5 degrees above pre-industrial levels. Graihagh Jackson and BBC Climate Report Esme Stallard consider the significance of this key climate target being breached. Plus, why farmers in Malawi are switching to banana wine and how global warming might be forcing humpback whales to migrate even further.
With Zeke Hausfather, Climate Scientist at the University of California, Berkeley; and BBC Africa reporter Ashley Lime.
Got a climate question you’d like answered? Email: TheClimateQuestion@BBC.com or WhatsApp: +44 8000 321 721
Production Team: Diane Richardson, Ellie House, Sophie Eastaugh
Sound Mix: James Beard and Tom Brignell
Editor: Simon Watts
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