An international team of scientists has shown that even if the carbon emission reductions called for in the Paris Agreement are met, there is a risk of our planet entering what the scientists call “Hothouse Earth” conditions.

This would see the climate stabilise in the long term at a global average of 4-5°C higher than pre-industrial temperatures, with the sea level 10-60 m higher than today.

The scientists conclude it is now urgent to greatly accelerate the transition towards an emission-free world economy. Avoiding a “Hothouse Earth” requires not only reduction of carbon dioxide and other greenhouse gas emissions but also enhancement and/or creation of new biological carbon stores.

Reports with further details:

• BBC – ‘Hothouse Earth’ risks even if CO2 emissions slashed
• Stockholm Resilience Centre – Risk of “Hothouse Earth” state
• Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences (USA) – Trajectories of the Earth System in the Anthropocene (study publication)