Limiting climate overshoot remains possible, UNEP says

Global warming is expected to exceed 1.5°C above pre-industrial levels in the coming years.A new United Nations Environment Programme report, Limiting Overshoot Spotlight Report, says the priority now must be to limit how far global temperatures rise, shorten the period of higher warming and reduce the resulting risks to people and ecosystems.

What happens above 1.5°C

The report finds that higher levels of warming bring increasing risks, including more extreme weather, ecosystem loss, glacier melt and pressure on food and water security. Some impacts may be irreversible, even if global temperatures later decline.

Action cannot wait

The report says mitigation and adaptation must advance together. Rapid cuts in greenhouse gas emissions are needed to limit peak warming, while countries also need to strengthen adaptation and resilience as climate impacts intensify.

Keeping the way back open

The report says that returning warming towards 1.5°C will require sustained net-negative CO₂ emissions, alongside continued efforts to adapt to climate impacts. Carbon dioxide removal will be needed, but its risks, limits and governance challenges must be considered.

The report's central message is that overshoot is not a reason for resignation, but for urgency. Lower peak warming and a shorter period of overshoot can reduce future risks, while decisions taken now will determine how much scope remains to reverse warming.

Read the full report here