Next stop: climate hell. (Photo: Josh Edelson/AFP, Getty Images)
The world may surpass the key 1.5-degree-Celsius (2.7-degree-Fahrenheit) global warming threshold within the next five years, a major new outlook on climate trends shows. It’s the latest sign that we’re speeding toward the grim future that climate scientists have warned about for years unless we change course.
The report released by the World Meteorological Organisation and the UK Met Office on Thursday says the chance of reaching 1.5 degrees Celsius of heating by 2025 has “roughly doubled” compared to last year’s predictions and now sits at 40%. There’s also a 90% likelihood of at least one year between now and 2025 being the hottest on record.
The world may surpass the key 1.5-degree-Celsius (2.7-degree-Fahrenheit) global warming threshold within the next five years, a major new outlook on climate trends shows. It’s the latest sign that we’re speeding toward a grim future unless we change course.
The warning will remain in place until 6am on Sunday morning (27 December), with westerly winds reaching mean speeds of 50-65km/h and gusts of 90-110 km/h expected while the warning is in place.
Met Éireann has also warned of strong winds, high waves and a forecasted storm surge, all of which will lead to a risk of coastal flooding. Updates will be issued as necessary on the Met Éireann website.
Before the arrival of Storm Bella (named by the UK Met Office) on Saturday, the next two days are expected to be crisp, dry and sunny for the most part, with temperatures dropping to as low as -3 degrees tonight.