A discussion paper prepared by Climate Analytics for CAN Europe.
Scientific assessments have shown that impacts are projected to worsen significantly above a global warming of 1.5, or 2°C from pre-industrial levels. Such assessments have contributed to the adoption of 2°C as a global goal during the climate talks in Copenhagen in 2009. In Cancun in 2010 Climate Convention Parties agreed to review the global goal with the perspective of strengthening this to 1.5°C.
Three considerations play a role in opinions about a long-term global goal:
1) Does a long-term global goal actually help streamlining global efforts to reduce greenhouse-gas emissions and inspire local initiatives?
2) Is the level adequately low to prevent dangerous interference with the climate system?
3) Is the goal feasible, given socio-economic and technical constraints?