Wed Feb 05 11:51:20 UTC 2025: ## 2°C Warming Target Unreachable, Scientists Declare
**New Delhi, February 5, 2025** – A groundbreaking new study led by renowned climatologist James Hansen asserts that limiting global warming to 2 degrees Celsius, the minimum goal of the Paris Agreement, is no longer feasible. Published in *Environment: Science and Policy for Sustainable Development*, the research reveals that Earth’s climate is far more sensitive to greenhouse gas emissions than previously understood.
The study highlights a concerning decline in sunlight-blocking aerosol pollution from shipping, which had been partially mitigating warming effects. Hansen, a former NASA scientist, stated that the UN’s climate panel scenario of a 50% chance of staying under 2°C by 2100 is now impossible. He declared the 2°C target “dead.”
The researchers predict temperatures will remain at or above 1.5°C in the coming years, leading to devastating consequences for coral reefs and increased storm intensity. Temperatures are projected to reach approximately 2°C by 2045. Critically, they forecast a shutdown of the Atlantic Meridional Overturning Circulation (AMOC) within the next 20-30 years due to polar ice melt and freshwater influx. The AMOC’s cessation would trigger significant sea level rise, among other devastating consequences.
While acknowledging the grim outlook, the authors emphasize the importance of honesty in addressing the climate crisis. They argue that realistic assessments and frank discussions are vital for effective action and offer hope for the future despite the challenges. The 1.5°C target, considered crucial to prevent catastrophic consequences, has already been exceeded in recent years according to data from Copernicus. The study underscores the urgent need for transformative policies to mitigate the effects of climate change.
First Piper 