There is a greater than 50:50 chance of average global temperature reaching 1.5 degrees Celsius above pre-industrial levels by 2030 according to according to a report by the World Meteorological Organization (WMO), published in May 2022. Even if the temperature rise were limited to 1.5 °C, humans still face:

• Loss of biodiversity,
• Frequent intense storms,
• Floods,
• Drought,
• Wildfires and air pollution,
• Extreme heat,
• Melting glaciers and rising ocean levels,
• Disease emergence and increased risk of cross-species viral transmission,

The Group of 20 major economies are responsible for 80% of global greenhouse gas emissions but while G20 leaders promise to pursue efforts to limit increases in the average temperature, many refuse to make firm commitments.

Warnings from scientists show rising urgency. The special report “World Scientists’ Warning of a Climate Emergency 2022” says consequences of global heating are becoming increasingly extreme, and outcomes such as global societal collapse are plausible. It was published this week with participation of the following scientists:

We are now at “code red” on planet Earth. Humanity is  unequivocally facing a climate emergency. The scale of untold human suffering, already immense, is rapidly growing with the escalating number of climate- related disasters…

2022 marks the 30th anniversary of the “World Scientists’ Warning to Humanity,” signed by more than 1700 scientists in 1992. Since this original warning, there has been a roughly 40% increase in global green-house gas emissions.

The report provides discouraging information. Some examples:

• Since 1992 publication of “World Scientists’ Warning to Humanity,” signed by more than 1700 scientists, there has been a roughly 40% increase in global green-house gas emissions.

• Current policies are taking the planet to around 3 degrees Celsius warming by 2100

• No longer rare events and disasters disproportionately harm poor people in low-income regions that have had minimal contributions to the buildup of greenhouse gasses.

• Sixteen planetary vital signs are at record extremes.

• Despite the urgent need to immediately cease new fossil fuel development and reduce emissions, fossil fuel proj-ects continue to be pursued on an enormous scale.

• Rising temperatures increase the risks of feedback loops and tipping points being triggered.

• In March of 2022, carbon dioxide concentration reached 418 parts per million, the highest monthly global average con-centration ever recorded.

• Human demand is exceeding the regenerative capacity of the biosphere

• Direct fossil fuel subsidies increased to US$440 billion in 2021.

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